The construction of this new world-class facility will secure the future of RBAI as a centre of academic excellence that supports the educational needs, growth and development of 1,100 pupils and staff.
Buildings Designed For A Different Era
Teaching and learning styles are constantly evolving, while the use of technology is rapidly advancing. Moreover, a positive learning environment is critical to pupils' mental health and wellbeing. RBAI is restricted by buildings designed for a very different era, as was highlighted by an extensive review of the School's estate.
- Classrooms in the 1920's W Block no longer meet the Department of Education space standards and are not fit for purpose.
- The swimming pool which was built in the 1960s and saw over 12,000 individual usages each year, was closed in 2024 due to unsustainable repair costs.
- The refurbishment of the 1950s dining hall, which serves more than 700 boys daily, has been deemed unviable.
- COVID demonstrated that high quality internal and external spaces are essential for the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
- Creating a new entrance at the rear of the campus will allow RBAI to benefit from significant improvements to the surrounding area, including the new Belfast Grand Central Station and proposed Weavers Cross redevelopment directly behind the School.
A Campus For Future Generations
Construction of the new South Wing will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the educational needs of 1,100 pupils and staff, securing the School's future as a fully integrated city centre school.
Plans include 15 general classrooms, a drama suite, a 25m swimming pool, a multi-purpose dining hall, a boardroom suite and the development of landscaped zones to improve pupil and staff wellbeing.
Near Zero Carbon development will see energy inefficient buildings replaced with new infrastructure, significantly reducing the School's running costs and carbon footprint.
Whilst facilitating the redevelopment of the site involves the demolition of some existing school infrastructure, the iconic Soane Building and North Wing will be enhanced by high quality buildings designed to be adaptable and flexible in meeting the needs of evolving curriculum requirements.
Thousands of RBAI pupils will benefit from this investment in the coming decades and it will play an important part in helping us prepare future leaders and innovators.