The development of Northern Regional College's new Coleraine campus has taken a key step forward.

A topping out ceremony has taken place at the site, marking the construction phase of the projects reaching the mid-point of its schedule, and maximum height.

The new £40 million state-of-the-art campus is on track for completion in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, it forms part of a wider £85m capital investment programme to provide two new campuses for Northern Regional College in Coleraine and Ballymena. Heron Bros is the main contractor for both projects.

Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am delighted to see the excellent progress being made in the construction of what will be a fantastic new campus for Northern Regional College in Coleraine. The new campus will consolidate all teaching in the Coleraine and Ballymoney campuses onto one site with the very latest facilities, to the benefit of all learners.

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"This new learning environment will contribute to the delivery of my Department's 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy, equipping learners with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market, and building on Northern Ireland's successes on the global stage.

"In addition, the construction project is delivering more than 150 construction jobs, with a further 300 being sustained in the supply chain, while more than 1,350 weeks of employment and training will be provided through traineeships, apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) across a range of construction-related trades."

Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, added: "Significant progress on the development of the new campus continues to be made. Work on our new Coleraine campus is continuing at pace and today's topping out ceremony marks the latest in a series of important milestones as we continue to move steadily towards completion in 2023/24.

"Alongside creating a world-class learning environment for our students and staff, our new campus will offer a wide range of shared spaces, restaurant and other facilities, to be enjoyed by local groups and community organisations – be it for learning, training and skills development or arts, culture and recreation.

"We remain grateful for the continued co-operation, support and encouragement of our neighbouring residents and businesses in Union Street and the surrounding area, who have shared in our excitement at seeing the building rise from the ground in recent months.

"The college extends its thanks to the Department for the Economy for its continued investment in our estate as we seek to deliver the aims and objectives of its 10X Economic Vision."