Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened a £27.5 million school building for New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland.

The project was funded primarily through the UK Government-supported Fresh Start Programme.

Education Minister Paul Givan said: "The opening of New-Bridge Integrated College's new school building is an exciting milestone. These new, high-quality facilities now provide an excellent learning environment for pupils alongside their teachers and the wider school community who help bring the school to life and make it a place where young people can thrive.

"I commend the staff, pupils, parents and governors for their patience, resilience and commitment throughout the development of this project, from its initial design through to completion.

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"I have no doubt that the school will achieve continued success, whilst nurturing a passion for learning in an environment designed to support young people to achieve their full potential. I wish the entire school community every success as they begin this exciting new chapter."

Hilary Harbinson, Principal of New-Bridge Integrated College, added: "This is a momentous day in the history of New-Bridge Integrated College. We are delighted with our new facilities which are the result of many years of planning, dedication and support from our staff, pupils, parents, governors and wider community. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality and look forward to the opportunities these facilities will create for current and future generations of pupils."

Construction began in January 2023 and was completed in September 2026. The design was delivered by the Integrated Consultancy Team led by AECOM, with Ganson UK Ltd appointed as the building contractor. The Fresh Start funding forms part of the UK Government's commitments under the Fresh Start and Stormont House agreements to provide new capital support for shared and integrated education.