Larne College of Further Education

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A large building in a modern style, mainly of rustic brick, with concrete surrounds to windows, a recessed ground floor colonnade of circular concrete piers, and brightly coloured panels of mosaic tiling to the entrance front. Built basically in three units, comprising a three-storey general classroom block, a four-storey engineering and science block, and a section for communal facilities. Concrete paving slabs to forecourt with an abstract geometrical tile panel in yellow, red and black; three concrete planter boxes with angled sides. Panel of geometrical patterned tiling to left of main entrance, in grey, black, red, green, white, and blue, geometrical pattern to terrazzo of front steps. Above main entrance, a heraldic panel in Portland stone, dated 1959. Geometrical patterned hardwood framing laid over glazing of entrance doors.

Setting: the building stands in its own well kept grounds within the built-up area of the town, with its entrance front facing a main road.

Historical information

Designed by John Scott, ARIBA, Education Architect to Antrim County Education Committee as Larne Technical College; built 1957-1959; builders, Henry Laverty and Sons. Opened on 11 November 1959 by the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, the Right Hon. Viscount Brookeborough.

References - Primary

1. Irish Builder and Engineer, 9 March 1957, pp 173 and 181.
2. Belfast News-Letter, 12 November 1959.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This is a building in an International Modern style which appears to retain its original features but whose design and treatment is not of special interest or significance.