Work has been completed at the Southern Regional College's new £15million campus in Banbridge.

The state-of-the-art 4,500 sq m campus provides a strengthened range of further and higher education courses, skills improvement and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, across a range of specialist subject areas.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: "I am very pleased to open this fantastic new campus for Southern Regional College. It provides exceptional facilities and will see the college continue to deliver for learners for many years to come.

"A new dedicated innovation hub will also boost the college’s ability to support local business, through the provision of advice, skills development and student innovation solutions.

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"All of our local colleges provide high quality business support, as well as education and training to people of all ages and abilities. The development of skills will be at the centre of Northern Ireland’s economic recovery and the colleges play a crucial role in this."

The new campus, designed by Knox Clayton Ltd, managed by Tetratek Consulting NI and built by Newry-based contractor O'Hare & McGovern Ltd, saw the creation of more than 150 jobs during its construction. The building’s new facilities include a dedicated Learning Resource Centre, an industry-leading multimedia and digital design centre, and a spacious auditorium capable of hosting a wide range of events, exhibitions and seminars.

Project delivery was managed by the college's Project Team with support provided by the Project Board and SRC’s Board of Governors. This management and support coupled with the efforts of the design and construction teams saw the project delivered within budget and the required timescales despite the impacts of Covid-19.