Plans are moving ahead for the new school development for Down High School in Downpatrick.
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “The EA has been working with an Integrated Consultancy Team to develop the design of new state‐of‐the‐art educational facilities for Down High School in Downpatrick.
“The new school building will be located on a new site accessed from Strangford Road, Downpatrick. The infrastructure to be delivered will include all associated site works including car parking, landscaping and playing fields.
“An archaeologist has now been appointed to carry out a programme of works in advance of the construction of the new Down High School.
“It is expected that these archaeological works will take place over the upcoming summer period.”
Mrs Perry, the Principal of Down High School, said: “I note the historic significance of the site and that the school community looks forward to the opportunity to commemorate important parts of our local history alongside the younger generation of Downpatrick and its neighbourhood.
“Discussions have already taken place with staff in Down County Museum around the development of pupil resources and I see the significant value in this history being explored through the school’s flourishing shared education collaboration with St Patricks Grammar.
:As a school, we cherish our link with an important part of our past. Plans for an ecumenical service, led by local church leaders, are underway should any historical remains be uncovered and require re-internment, and we aim to have a permanent reminder of the historical significance of the site as a feature of our new school.”
