Belfast City Council's Planning Committee granted planning permission on Tuesday night for a new three-storey sports hall, gymnasium and PE facility at St Mary's Christian Brothers Grammar School on the Glen Road. The approval includes a footbridge linking the building to an existing GAA playing field.

Education Minister Paul Givan visited the school in 2024 to hear requests for new sports facilities. Principal Brendan McComb took up his role that year and committed to constructing the facility for both school pupils and the local community.

McComb welcomed the council's decision. He stated the sports hall will benefit the school community and improve health and wellbeing for pupils and others. He contacted the Department of Education on the day of approval to advance the project.

The principal said the facility will support curricular and extra-curricular activities for boys and young men in West Belfast.