Investing in Play, Learning and Community

At Hagan Homes, we believe that building strong communities goes beyond bricks and mortar. It’s about creating places where people can thrive, and that starts with supporting the next generation.

We’re proud to have played a part in the opening of a brand-new junior playground at Donegall Road Primary School, made possible through an £80,000 donation from Hagan Homes to the Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT), who then granted the funding directly to the school.

A playground designed by pupils, for pupils 

The project began in July and was completed in early September, delivered in partnership with the Education Authority and shaped by ideas from the school’s own School Council, ensuring the space reflects what pupils genuinely want and need.

The transformed playground now includes:

• A versatile MUGA pitch for football and basketball
• A colourful Snakes and Ladders play grid
• A fully stocked play equipment shed for break and lunchtime
• A calm zone with picnic tables and chalkboards, doubling as an outdoor classroom
• A rebuilt boundary wall with continuous seating, encouraging social interaction and rest
• The result is a safe, engaging and flexible outdoor space that supports physical activity, creativity, learning and friendship.

Supporting the communities where we build

Speaking about the project, Jim Burke, Managing Director at Hagan Homes, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the children enjoying their new outdoor space. With so many Hagan Homes developments in Belfast, we’re committed to investing in the communities where we build. Partnering with GVRT and Donegall Road Primary School on a project that promotes play, health and learning is exactly the kind of local initiative we’re proud to support.”

Donegall Road Primary School enrols 191 pupils, most of whom live in the surrounding area, making the playground an important shared asset for the local community.

Principal Phil Massey added:

“This playground is a game-changer for our pupils. Our School Council helped shape the design, and the result is a safe, vibrant space where children can be active, learn outdoors and spend time with friends. We’re deeply grateful to Hagan Homes for their generosity and to GVRT for making this possible.”

 A partnership with long-term impact

GVRT, which works across physical regeneration, health and wellbeing, education, employability and community confidence in South Belfast, highlighted the long-term value of the project.

Sarah Bowden, Director of GVRT, commented:

“This much-needed playground supports physical activity, social skills and greater use of outdoor space in a school that had long lacked investment. The benefits will be felt by pupils and the wider school community for years to come. This project strongly aligns with GVRT’s mission to improve quality of life locally, and we’re proud to have worked alongside Hagan Homes and the school to deliver it.”

Building more than homes

With a long-standing presence across Belfast and beyond, Hagan Homes is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen local neighbourhoods and leave a lasting, positive legacy.

We’re delighted to see this new playground already being enjoyed, and we look forward to continuing to invest in the communities we’re proud to call home.