Ballykelly Primary School

Exterior description and setting

Construction work commenced on the main school building in 1966. This was carried out by J Kennedy & Co of Macosquin. The architects were McCutcheon & Wilkinson of Ballymena with John Wilkinson as partner in charge.

The original main block is a two storey structure with a profiled, concrete tiled roof which rises primarily from a T-plan. The facades generally are faced with a pinkish concrete brick with random basalt rubble to highlight the entrances in the single storey projections. Combined with fenestration of large and small openings the overall appearance and character is that common to a number of sixties school buildings but not entirely without appeal.

The original design was to accommodate 11 no. classrooms but during construction or perhaps very soon afterwards the building was extended to provide the current 20 no. classrooms for infants and juniors. This extension, measuring approximately 30 by 36 m² of flat roof construction is attached to the southern end of the main building and incorporates a central, open garden court. While the exterior wall facings are similar to the main block the detailing is not entirely in sympathy. However the garden court is not unattractive.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A post-war primary school of single and two storey blocks typical of the period.