Following an enforced six-week layoff because of COVID-19, the contractor is back on site, operating safely and is committed to completing the work within the planned timescale. The College’s Estates Team and the contractor have agreed a handover schedule, with 85% of the classrooms and IT suites ready for furniture and IT installations in mid-July.
The phased opening of the remainder of the building will allow access for enrolments in mid-August and ensure that Beresford Avenue is ready to accommodate staff and students for the start of the new academic year.
The new purpose-built Coleraine campus with state-of-the-art facilities will be on an extended site which includes the former Church of Ireland buildings on Brook Street. The existing College buildings at Union Street will be demolished.
Professor Terri Scott, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College said: “I am delighted that, despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, our plans to relocate to Beresford Avenue remain very much on track.
“This temporary relocation marks an important milestone in what is a tremendously exciting project that will significantly benefit the local economy and open up exciting new career opportunities for students of all ages in our new Coleraine campus.
“Our College Estates Team will be working closely over the summer months with the appointed contractor to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place for our students to return to class-based learning when it is safe to do so, in line with government guidance.”