Education in the North West has received a major fillip this week with the formal opening of a new £18m North West Further Education Campus in Londonderry.

The Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Dr. Stephen Farry, officially opened the College's new teaching accommodation at its Strand Road campus.

The building provides the people of the North West with an educational establishment which is widely considered to be amongst the best equipped in Northern Ireland, he said, commenting: "Further Education Colleges have a major contribution to make in revitalising the social, economic and learning aspects of the communities they serve.

"This new campus is further confirmation of my Department's commitment to the sector and to the young people and adults using its facilities.

"Advancements in the training curriculum and the ever changing demands from employers all bring fresh challenges. I am confident that this new college development will help equip and enable the people of Derry to meet these challenges," he said.

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Construction

The futuristic construction project, just completed, consists of two buildings, connected by a glass footbridge across the Strand Road and equate to approximately 9,000sq metres of floor space over six storeys.

Dr. Farry continued: "The new campus has a vital role to play in servicing the needs of local industry and this investment will enhance its ability to be a key driver of economic development for many years to come."

Also, speaking at the launch, College Principal and Chief Executive Seamus Murphy said: "The official opening marks another milestone in the distinguished history of the North West Regional College.

"These new build developments will not only enhance the range of course provision and the student experience at our College, but they will also serve to boost the lifelong learning and career aspirations for the people of this region for many years to come.

"We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Department for Employment and Learning, and the range of contractors who have all helped complete these impressive College buildings. I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to groups and individuals across the region to pay a visit to our new developments to discover first-hand the resources we are now providing for learners of all ages," he said.

The new accommodation includes a range of learning and support facilities including a 150 capacity performance theatre, music recording and practice studios, electronic engineering laboratories, computer aided design suite and state-of-the-art hairdressing and beauty salons.