THE former site of St Patrick's training school in west Belfast has been put up for sale.
It has been confirmed that a large portion of the 85 acre Glenmona site, owned by the Down and Connor Diocesan Trust is now on the market.
In total 73 acres of the lands, situated between Glen Road and Upper Springfield Road and adjacent to the Monagh Bypass are for sale. Approximately eight acres of land is being retained by the Diocese for possible future educational use.’
The site has outline planning approval for a major mixed-use development scheme and a "high level of interest" is expected by the selling agent, O’Connor, Kennedy, Turtle (OKT).
The Glenmona site was formerly home to St Patrick’s training school and is surrounded by large areas of agricultural land. The site offers a unique opportunity for high profile regeneration of the area and to deliver residential development, both private and social with supporting amenities. It will also allow for improved access to the surrounding area and facilitate the development of the 'Glen 10' project.
Bishop of Down and Connor and chairman of the Down and Connor Diocesan Trust, Noel Treanor welcomed the possible development at the site and confirmed that funds from the sale will be used to "help provide for the ongoing spiritual and pastoral needs of the people of the Diocese".
"The Diocesan Trust is now in a position to dispose of this substantial site for the wider benefit of the local community. The development of the lands will provide much needed housing, including social housing. It is prudent that assets not essential to the Church’s mission are released," he said.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust which operates and manages, on part of the site, the children’s homes formerly owned by the Diocese has made known its proposal to replace these homes within the site. The Diocese has said the Trust’s proposal will be taken into account in the sale process.
Brian Turtle of selling agents, OKT, selling agents added:
“O’Connor, Kennedy, Turtle are delighted to be entrusted by the Diocese with the sale of this strategic site. It is without doubt one of the most exciting development opportunities within greater Belfast to come to the market this decade, and we expect a high level of interest.”
