A controversial new Southern Regional College (SRC) campus in Craigavon has been unanimously approved by local councillors.

The £45 million campus was supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's planning committee despite pushback from campaign group 'Save Craigavon Park and Lakes'.

The group raised environmental issues over the new build being located in Craigavon City Park , reiterating that the area is a park, not a development location.

Despite this, the new SRC development is set to go ahead, supporting hundreds of new jobs during construction and creating more than 350 new local apprenticeship opportunities annually.

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Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said: "Delivering jobs, investment and opportunities, SRC is committed to delivering a world-class centre for education, training, research, partnership and innovation and our plans for Craigavon fully reflect this.

"Securing planning approval for this flagship project is fantastic news and we are extremely grateful to the many local people and organisations who came forward to provide us with their views and support during the consultation process. Their contribution was invaluable."

Sinn Féin's further and higher education spokesperson, MLA Caoimhe Archibald, also voiced her support for the project.

She said: "The new campus in Craigavon will provide opportunities for training and education for young people including apprenticeships as well as employment opportunities in STEM, IT, hospitality and tourism among other subject areas.

"The development of the campus will also support hundreds of jobs during its construction.

"Investment in skills and infrastructure is vital to support local economic development."

The campaign group is now progressing plans to submit an emergency judicial review into the council's decision.

(CM)