Pupils from Cross and Passion College and Ballycastle High School came together in an inspiring display of creativity and collaboration to produce striking artwork now showcased on the hoarding surrounding the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre construction site.
The artwork was created during a series of joint sessions involving Year 10 pupils from both schools. These sessions offered a unique opportunity for students to meet and connect ahead of their transition to a shared campus this September, helping to foster new friendships and strengthen community ties.
Entirely pupil-led, the artwork captures a vibrant and inclusive vision of the activities and opportunities the new leisure centre will offer. Featured activities include swimming, BMX biking, camogie, Gaelic football, climbing, football, running, weightlifting and reading. A strong emphasis was placed on equality, accessibility and inclusion, reflecting the core design principles of the new leisure centre and its focus on serving the whole community.
Rooted in the local landscape, the design incorporates a scenic backdrop of Fair Head, with Rathlin Island visible in the distance. Additional creative elements such as birds, flowers and shells further enhance the artwork.
The final installation was produced across 30 individual panels, which were photographed and combined to form the completed hoarding display.
The artwork was officially unveiled on Friday 8 May, with Mayor Councillor Oliver McMullan and Pat Mulvenna, Director of Leisure & Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, in attendance. The event provided an opportunity for the students to meet Council representatives and members of the GRAHAM team who helped deliver the initiative.
To commemorate the project, a banner showcasing the artwork was presented to the schools to display with pride at the Shared Campus site.
Following the unveiling, pupils were given a guided site tour by GRAHAM’s Project Manager, Alan McCullough, and architect, Chris McAvoy from Hall Black Douglas. This gave students valuable insight into the construction process, allowing them to see the development first-hand, understand the work taking place and ask questions along the way.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented: “Seeing pupils from Cross and Passion College and Ballycastle High School come together in this way is exactly what projects like the new leisure centre are all about. The artwork is full of energy and imagination, and it really reflects the pride young people have in their community and the future they want to see here in Ballycastle.
“This development is not just about a building – it’s about people, opportunity and inclusion. What the students have created is a fitting celebration of that vision, and I want to thank them, their teachers, and the GRAHAM team for bringing this initiative to life.”
Alan McCullough, Project Manager at GRAHAM, said: “The artwork initiative highlights GRAHAM’s ongoing commitment to support local communities and create meaningful social value throughout the construction process.”
The completed artwork now provides a colourful and uplifting feature for the Ballycastle community, offering a glimpse of the inclusive and vibrant space that will be delivered once the leisure centre is completed."