Queen's University Belfast has funded new community gardens for two South Belfast primary schools, underscoring its commitment to embed social value within campus development.

The outdoor areas at St Malachy's Primary School and Blythefield Primary School, both close to the Queen's campus, provide safe, accessible green spaces for pupils, while promoting biodiversity and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Developed with project delivery partner GRAHAM Construction, the initiative forms part of wider community benefit commitments linked to major projects including the Weavers' Hall student accommodation on Dublin Road and the landmark iREACH Health project, which is set to become a major hub for health innovation and research in Northern Ireland.

Andrea Tiernan, principal at St Malachy's Primary School said: "This transformational garden has enriched St Malachy's school life. It provides a welcoming, inclusive space where our children can learn outdoors, be creative and support their wellbeing. It develops environmental awareness through alternative approaches to learning and teaching and enhances opportunities to work with our Community of Learning partners. We are extremely grateful to Queen's University Belfast, Graham Construction and all partners for making this possible." Catherine Roulston, principal at Blythefield Primary School added: "We are delighted by the positive impact our new garden surface has had on the children. It has transformed the outdoor space into a vibrant area where curiosity, creativity and learning flourish. The improved environment encourages exploration, active play and meaningful outdoor experiences, helping our children grow in confidence, wellbeing and enjoyment of learning."

The initiative illustrates how major university investment can deliver benefits beyond the Queen's campus, responding to local needs and supporting surrounding communities.

It also aligns with the University's Civic University Agreement, reinforcing a commitment to deliver social value through campus development in partnership with local communities, and to ensure educational spaces are accessible and empowering for all.

Speaking about the initiative, Aileen Cummins, Head of Social Impact and Civic Responsibility at Queen's said: "The completion of this work at both St Malachy's and Blythefield represents a positive milestone and we look forward to seeing pupils benefit from their new green spaces. This initiative demonstrates how our major development projects can create positive social impact beyond the University, while strengthening our relationships with local communities."

Suzanne Stevenson, Social Impact Manager (Building) at Graham Construction added: "Creating a lasting positive impact in local communities is at the heart of GRAHAM's approach. Working with Queen's University Belfast to deliver these new gardens has enabled us to provide spaces where children can learn, play and connect with nature, while demonstrating how major construction projects can deliver meaningful benefits beyond the bricks and mortar."