The Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has welcomed the opening of Belfast Metropolitan College's new £44 million campus at Titanic Quarter.

Speaking after HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new further education facility, the Minister said: "This new state of the art facility is the largest single Further Education campus in Northern Ireland and is further evidence of my Department’s commitment to the Further Education sector and to the young people and adults using its facilities. The imaginative design draws on the rich history of shipbuilding at the location and the quality of the construction has resulted in a very special place of learning, not only for the local community but for businesses and individuals from across Northern Ireland, and indeed further afield."

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The 22,000 square metre development boasts world class facilities including high-tech science laboratories, specialist catering suites such as a demonstration kitchen with a viewing gallery, industry-standard hair and beauty treatment salons, a fitness suite, conference facilities, lecture theatres and a computer-equipped library.

Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of the Belfast Metropolitan College, welcomed the assembled guests and said: "I am delighted that HRH The Princess Royal and the Minister have come to Belfast Met at Titanic Quarter today to celebrate the official opening of this wonderful building, which is indeed an iconic centre of learning. For those of us who are so very lucky to come here to work or study every day, it sets a new baseline for educational environments which has already achieved a prestigious environmental award. These facilities are without a doubt the jewel in Northern Ireland's Further Education crown. And they are much needed, for Belfast is indeed a great city with an enviable history and an exciting future."

(CD)