An official sod-cutting event has marked the commencement of construction on a new £45 million County Antrim-based school.

The school will be delivered at Abbey Community College on the Three Mile Water site. Hood Magowan Kirk are the Integrated Consultant Team for the project and Glasgiven Contracts Ltd is the appointed building contractor.

Construction of the new facility, which will include enhanced learning provision accommodation and sports facilities, is due to be completed in November 2027.

Welcoming the start of the project at the sod-cutting ceremony, Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan said: "This is an exciting day for everyone at Abbey Community College, marking the start of a very important programme of construction.

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"When complete. the school will deliver many benefits for pupils, school staff and local families. This project will provide modern facilities which will help children and young people at Abbey Community College to grow, thrive, learn and achieve their full potential."

Paul Givan continued: "There has been considerable work to get to this stage and I would like to commend the school, and the stakeholders involved. Today, they can be proud of this positive step, as they look forward to their new school building becoming a reality."

Meanwhile, Principal Fiona Cromie noted that the day marked "a significant milestone" for the community and that the school was "profoundly grateful to the Department of Education for their generous funding" of this build. The principal also extended thanks to the project team for their tireless efforts.