As part of its commitment to embedding social value in its campus development, Queen’s has funded new community gardens for two local South Belfast primary schools.
The new outdoor spaces at St Malachy’s Primary School and Blythefield Primary School, both in South Belfast and close to Queen’s campus, provide safe and accessible green spaces for pupils, while promoting biodiversity and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Delivered alongside project delivery partner Graham Construction, the initiative formed part of wider community benefit commitments linked to ongoing major construction projects – the Weavers’ Hall student accommodation site at Dublin Road and the landmark iREACH Health project, which will 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 demonstrates how major investment in university developments can create benefits beyond the Queen’s campus, supporting local communities and creating spaces that respond to local needs.
It also reflects the University’s commitment to delivering social value through its campus development and working in partnership with local communities, in line with the ambitions set out in its Civic University Agreement. This includes a belief that educational spaces should be 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.”