News

Business plan for former Castlederg school

A TYRONE businessman hopes to breathe new life into a former school forced to close because of falling numbers by turning it into a business park.

St Eugene’s High School in Castlederg closed its doors in 2013 after 50 years. Education minister, John O’Dowd said that declining numbers left the school trustees with no choice but to shut.

Occupying a formidable site, St Eugene’s was sold to Castlederg businessman, Sean McHugh. Mr McHugh’s family business, Arolco Engineering – based at nearby Spamount – already employs more than 40 people.

Now Mr McHugh intends using the five-acre site to create a mixed use business park for the West Tyrone town, according to Brendan Johns of Cassidy & Company town planning consultants

Mr Johns - who is overseeing planning applications for Mr McHugh - said: “It is proposed to provide the business units totally within the existing building structures, with renovation being largely limited to internal rearrangement of walls, services to provide units of varying size and function.

“In addition, it is proposed to provide treatment to the front facades of the proposed units including repositioning of doors and windows where necessary.”

The spokesman said Mr McHugh believed the school buildings could be used for light industrial use and for storage and distribution. He said a restaurant or café could also be included.

“Consideration is also being given to a local shop use which would serve the proposed development,” the spokesman said.

The planned development has been welcomed by SDLP assembly member, Joe Byrne. Mr Byrne described the proposal as exciting and positive.

The West Tyrone MLA said Environment Minister Mark H Durkan intended visiting the former school tomorrow to be briefed on the development plans.