Education Minister Paul Givan cuts the first sod on new £15.3m Millennium Integrated Primary School
Integrated education took another major step forward in County Down as Education Minister Paul Givan has cut the first sod on a major capital construction project at the Millennium Integrated Primary School near Saintfield.
The investment of over £15million will deliver a new build school with 14 classrooms and double nursery unit on its existing site.
Welcoming the start of the project at a sod cutting ceremony, Paul Givan said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Millennium Integrated Primary as construction gets underway.
“When complete, the new school will deliver many benefits for pupils, school staff and local families. This project will provide modern facilities, which will help children at Millennium grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.”
Construction on the site began in July 2025 and the new building is due to be completed in November 2027.
Paul Givan continued: “The progress achieved to date represents a significant accomplishment. I commend the school and all stakeholders involved for their exceptional work. From initial design through planning and into construction, this project exemplifies the collaborative excellence that defines our school communities.
“I wish the pupils, staff, governors and parents of Millennium every success as the vision for the new school becomes a reality.”
Barry Corrigan, Principal of Millennium Integrated Primary School, added: “The building of this school is the culmination of a vision started 25 years ago by parents who wanted to bring integrated education to the Carryduff and Saintfield area.
“We now stand on the cusp of opening a new, state-of-the-art school designed to meet the educational needs of all our children.
“As much as we recognise the pioneering spirit and drive of our founding parents, staff and Principal, we are also looking ahead to a bright and exciting future for the pupils who will attend the school from September 2026.”
Hall, Black and Douglas were appointed to complete the school design. McAdam Design were appointed project managers for the scheme, and Felix O’Hare & Co. Ltd were appointed to carry out the construction works.
