Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has officially announced the commencement of the construction phase for the development of a new £12m Performing Arts and Technology Innovation Centre (PATIC) at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor.

Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony at the site on the Castle Park Road, the Minister said: "I am pleased to be cutting the first sod for this new building. Engineering, ICT and creative industries remain priority skill sectors for our economy and this facility will provide students from Bangor and further afield with the most up to date learning environment."

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The new 3,650 m² facility, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning will provide high specification, bespoke accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts centred on a 350-seat theatre including first class rehearsal, recording and performance facilities for the students of Bangor and the surrounding area. The rehearsal space will accommodate acting, dance, music and DJ teaching and will be equipped with the relevant state of the art listening, PA and backline facilities.

The Minister continued: "The Technology Innovation Centre will deliver teaching facilities that build upon the College's expertise in the emergent fields of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology and Engineering sciences. It will also offer access for local companies to benefit from the FE sector's expertise in prototyping and product testing and the opportunity to develop bespoke training solutions."

(CD/JP)