A £10 MILLION investment in student facilities at Northern Regional College's Newtownabbey Campus was announced this week.
The project, which involves the refurbishment of the existing engineering and construction facilities and a new canteen with student social area, is due to be completed in August 2010.
Trevor Neilands, Director/Chief Executive of the Northern Reg
ional College, said: "The College continues to prioritise investment in resources to support its students and meet the skill needs of the local economy, particularly in the current economic climate. We look forward to officially launching these new student facilities next summer."
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey visited the College to help launch the start of the new build.
The Minister said: "I am very grateful to the College for inviting me here to launch the construction phase of this project, one that will see the standard of Further Education accommodation rise to a level which will provide a modern high-tech learning environment for students and trainees in East Antrim and the surrounding areas.
"The skills gained in this facility will carry its learners into the world of employment and enable them to contribute to the economic development of Northern Ireland and to the growth and prosperity of the local community."
The contract for the project has been awarded to H&J Martin Ltd, Belfast. McAdam Design are the project managers for the new build and lead the integrated consultancy team made up of McAdam Design and JCP Consulting.
Deputy Director, Planning and Resources, Mrs Brenda Crotty said: "We are delighted to announce news of this development.
"This project will provide an energy efficient environment for our students and will enable targeted support for the priority skills of construction and engineering. It will complement the successful centres of excellence already established at the college's Farm Lodge campus."
