North West Regional College (NWRC) has announced that the
Department for the Economy has approved funding to enable its Springtown campus
to commence a multi-million redevelopment later this year.
NWRC Principal and Chief Executive Leo Murphy today
announced a £7m refurbishment for the campus which currently delivers a large
proportion of the college’s Training and Skills courses.
Subject to satisfactory completion of the procurement phase,
the planned work will see existing training facilities at the campus
redeveloped, with the aim of creating a modern learning environment for the
benefit of the College’s students, staff and stakeholders.
Beverley Harrison, Director of Further Education at the
Department for the Economy said: “The Department is committed to enhancing the
education, skills and employability of learners of all ages and abilities in
order to help develop a vibrant knowledge based economy.
“This funding will enable North West Regional College to
tender for the redevelopment of Springtown Campus and ultimately provide
students and staff with access to a modern, state of the art, learning
environment.”
Mr Murphy said: “This
is a good day for the North West. On behalf of the governing body management
and staff of the College, I am delighted to announce this planned investment in
our industrial training facility at Springtown. This is an extremely positive
and welcome result for the development of industrial apprenticeships in the
college, city and region.
“If
we are to realise our economic potential in this region, as well as becoming a
University City, we need to become an Apprenticeship city. This substantial
investment and support from the Department for the Economy can allow us to make
this happen for our young people and adults and bring the campus space
into a new era.
“This
redevelopment work reflects the value of training and apprenticeships in the
North West and the importance of working with industry to secure relevant
training in Renewables, Electrical, Welding, Fabrication, Motor Vehicle,
Plumbing, Gas Installation, Dry Lining, Joinery and Wood Occupations, Wall and
Floor Tiling, Painting and Decorating.
“Our
thanks goes to Further Education (FE) division in the Department for the
Economy and to our own internal curriculum and estates teams supported by
governors.”
Springtown
Campus, which is one of College’s five campuses, first opened in the 1970s as a
government training centre, and recently celebrated 45 years of training and
skills at the site.
The
College has a long tradition in developing the careers of men and women working
in traditional crafts and skills. Forging strong partnerships with local
schools, groups and industry, Springtown has a key role working within the
heart of community in the Derry~Londonderry area, a role they plan to further
expand as part of the redevelopment.
It
is estimated the work will commence in September 2018.