Dromore Central Primary School, 2 Banbridge Road, Dromore, County Down, BT25 1AD

A symmetrical red-brick modernist primary school of frame construction, built 1938 to designs by Hobart and Heron, comprising two-storey linear block with projecting end bays, double-height returns and single-storey toilet blocks to rear. Also abutted by two-storey extension to northeast and a single-storey dining hall to northwest, both c.1960. Located to the north side of Banbridge Road in Dromore town centre. Hipped natural slate roof with blue/black angled ridge tiles, red-brick chimneystacks and stepped parapets to end bays. Cast-iron ogee rainwater goods on projecting eaves with timber fascia boards to exposed rafter tails; cast-iron hoppers and downpipes. Walling is English garden wall-bonded red-brick on a concrete plinth; detailing consistent with the frame construction and comprises smooth rendered painted infill panels above first floor windows and ornamented apron panels between floors. Windows are replacement uPVC throughout with painted heads and projecting painted sills. The principal elevation faces southeast and is symmetrically arranged, comprising a linear block with projecting end bays and central breakfront. Entrance bay is taller with parapet and is a single eight-paned window wide at each floor; gable has applied lettering reading “DROMORE / PUBLIC ELEMENTARY/ SCHOOL / DOWN EDUCATION AUTHORITY. Left and right bays are each four windows wide at each floor; end bays have three windows to each floor (central window is wider). The southwest elevation is four windows wide (inner windows are wider). Former entrance at ground floor left in painted smooth rendered surround with cornice, accessed by two bull-nosed steps; now with partial brick infill and a four-paned window. The northwest (rear) elevation has projecting end bays to left and right; inner cheeks are abutted by a one-and-a-half storey projection, which is further abutted by a single-storey toilet block. Right end bay is abutted by the single-storey dining hall (of no interest). To centre is the double-height original return with original double-leaf six-panelled timber door in recess, accessed by a set of concrete steps. The northeast elevation is four windows wide to first floor (inner windows are wider). Ground floor has window to left and right and is abutted at centre by the two-storey extension (of no interest). Setting Situated to the north side of Banbridge Road, facing Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church (HB17/15/028). Accessed from main road by a tarmacadamed entrance with concrete wall having saddleback coping topped with original cast-iron railings supported on square red-brick piers with granite caps. Parking to front. Large playground to rear with portacabins. Roof: Natural slate Walling: brick Windows: uPVC RWG: Cast-iron