Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's (LCCC) Planning Committee has approved plans for a new £60 million integrated education campus.

The decision paves the way for the transformation of the existing Fort Hill site in Lisburn into a modern educational hub catering to children from nursery through to post-primary age.

The redevelopment will combine Fort Hill Integrated College, Fort Hill Integrated Primary School, and a nursery unit. The campus is designed to provide high-quality facilities for up to 850 post-primary students, alongside primary and nursery provision, and will include dedicated resources for children with Special Educational Needs. The project is expected to deliver an economic boost to the local area, with approximately 120 jobs anticipated during the construction and fit-out phases. Councillor Gretta Thompson, who presided over the Planning Committee meeting, said: "I welcome the approval of this important education development which will deliver modern, high-quality facilities for pupils of all ages, supporting integrated education within the Lisburn & Castlereagh area. This investment represents a positive step forward for the local community and I would like to acknowledge the work of all those involved in bringing this application forward."

Alderman James Tinsley, Planning Committee Chair, added: "I welcome the approval for this significant education development which will provide state of the art facilities for pupils and staff, while supporting the continued growth of communities across the Lisburn & Castlereagh area. I would like to give thanks for the work of the council officers, agents and statutory agencies which allowed this application to proceed in an efficient and timely manner."

The development aligns with LCCC's Local Development Plan, aiming to support sustainable growth, provide essential infrastructure, and promote an environment that enhances both learning and community wellbeing.