Elmgrove Primary School, Belfast

The new Elmgrove Primary School in East Belfast, is an amalgamation of the former Avoniel and Elmgrove primary schools and is being located on the Avoniel site.

Both original school buildings date from the 1930’s and are listed, being designed by RS Wilshere, a leading figure in the development of ‘modern’ architecture in Ireland.

Avoniel, is an Art Deco composition with its long front façade being its most memorable feature. It was chosen as the preferred location for the amalgamated new school, due to ease of accessibility, pupil catchment and the potential for expansion offered by the site.

The original building is being modified and refurbished to meet Department of Education recommendations for classroom accommodation, with sensitively considered modern extensions to the site and rear. Considerable time was spent with the planners and HED in ensuring that new and old elements sat appropriately together.

Construction on site commenced in early 2021.