OMAGH MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
The final meeting of the spring session on Wednesday 18th March was a visit to the Strule Educational Campus. On arrival the party, comprised of 15 men and five ladies from the Ladies Club, was met by Mr Gavin Boyd from SIB [Strategic Investment Board] who gave an introductory talk outlining the development of the project. When complete in 2028 the campus will accommodate some 4000 students in the age range 11 to 18, with the capacity to expand to 4500 should the need arise.
Mr Boyd explained that work is well underway on the construction of 9 buildings comprised of 6 schools – namely Omagh Academy, Omagh High, Loretto Convent, Christian Brothers. Sacred Heart and Arvalee Special School [already open on site]. In addition, 3 shared units were identified as “The Hub”, a Sixth Form centre with a seating capacity of 400, a sports centre and the pavilion adjacent to the playing fields with showers and changing rooms. He emphasised the concept of shared facilities. Junior pupils in Years 1 – 3 will be taught in their home school. GCSE pupils [Years 4 and 5] would have some interchange and A-level students are to be taught in mixed groups in The Hub.
Mr Boyd expressed his willingness to take questions and throughout his talk members raised numerous issues including, the safeguarding of young people moving between buildings, drop off in the mornings pick up in the afternoons, bus and car parking, traffic management on and around the campus, school meals provision and student access to the town centre. Interest was such that the conversation could have encroached on the time set aside to visit the viewing area. From a site overlooking The Hub visitors gained a clear idea of the scale of the project reflecting that when complete it would be a place of wonderment, excellence, and pride.
Following the visit Probus members enjoyed lunch n the Silverbirch Hotel.