AQW 37562/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the disposal of the old Castle Gardens School site in Newtownards.

Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 6 January 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
6 January 2026
Answer due by
21 January 2026
Answered
16 January 202610 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

The Education Authority has confirmed it is continuing to work actively to progress the disposal of the former site of Castle Gardens Primary School.

The Land and Property Service (LPS) Strategic Asset Management Unit has completed the internal market (D1) process for the former Castle Gardens PS site and confirmed that no interest has been registered by other public sector organisations. LPS has now been asked to engage the appointed estate agent to place the property on the open market as soon as possible.

EA solicitors continue to carry out legal due diligence to resolve complex title issues and ensure the property has a marketable title.

Official sources