More than half a million pounds will be used to refurbish the college’s historic O’Laverty Library and to involve the community in its important collections.

The move is part of a long-term plan to redevelop the College, which is based on Belfast’s Antrim Road and boasts alumni such as Game of Thrones actor Ciaran Hinds and football manager Martin O’Neill.

The £592,000 grant will be used to safeguard the library’s collection of 6,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts and periodicals, which includes letters written by political icons Michael Collins and Pádraig Pearse. The grant will also be used to create a new research and events space, transforming the library into a hub for the local community to access the collections.

[quote= Paul McBride, Principal of St Malachy's College] "A catalyst for future development and investment."[/quote]

Paul McBride, Principal of St Malachy’s, said the project marks another “milestone step” in the College’s redevelopment scheme, which it is hoped will be “a catalyst for future development and investment”.

Founded in 1833, the College has a long and colourful history, including links with the Society of United Irishmen and the anti-slavery movement, which will be highlighted as part of the project.

St Malachy’s is the oldest Catholic grammar school in Ulster and one of the oldest in Ireland. The library is named after Monsignor James O’Laverty, a 19th-century Dean of the college.

The improvements at the college join other exciting heritage improvements in the area, including an HLF-supported project to turn a disused church into the Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts, as well as the regenerated Crumlin Road Gaol, now a visitor attraction, and Clifton Street Cemetery.