Since the amalgamation of the Collegiate Grammar School and Portora Royal School in 2016 the newly formed school operated across a split campus utilising the former sites of the respective schools.

Speaking to the Herald this week, school principal Elizabeth Armstrong confirmed that June 2024 is scheduled as the current hand over date for completion of the new building at the Lough Shore site, better known perhaps as the Portora site. This development is hoped to be completed some eight years after the amalgamation of the two schools. 

Ms Armstrong explained, “The new school for 900 pupils will be built on the Lough Shore site where the historic listed building and facade at the front of the school will be preserved and incorporated into the brand new building to be built behind it.  

“In a year where we have celebrated many significant academic and extra-curricular successes at home and abroad for Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, it is very good to see that a timetable for the new state of the art building which our vibrant and thriving school community deserves, is now well underway.”

The new development is expected to see the school leave the Cooper Crescent site in the upmarket Hollyhill area of Enniskillen. Looking forward Niall Smyth from estate agent Smyth Leslie, pictured below, said residential development would be appropriate at the site.

“Cooper Crescent traditionally has been a strong residential area with a lot of mature houses. It is an area that hasn’t experienced a lot of development in more recent years. Because of its positive reputation and proximity to the town centre in terms of walking distance it is probably one of the most popular residential areas in town. 

“I would see there is a shortage of retirement homes and Cooper Crescent is an ideal location for that type of property. 

“There are people who live in large houses within Cooper Crescent at the moment and would like to stay within the locality but there is nothing available for them of an appropriate size. 

“Family homes would also be appropriate due to proximity to amenities within the town.”