South West College was delighted today, Tuesday 10th April, to cut the first sod on the site of the new Erne Campus in association with Tracey Brothers Ltd the contractors appointed to develop the £29 million state-of-the-art Campus. The new campus, which will be situated on the site of the former Erne hospital in Enniskillen, represents a significant investment by the Department for the Economy, to realise the first educational building worldwide to achieve the highest international standard in environmental construction.
As construction of the 8,200 m2 building begins it is estimated that it will provide employment for over 200 people including a number of apprenticeship opportunities, representing a major economic boost for the South West region.
The building, which is due to be completed in early 2020 will further enhance the College’s existing global reputation in the sustainable construction sector and will be used to attract international companies and students in this field.
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Noel Lavery, Permanent Secretary, Department for the Economy, commented on the significance of today’s event:
“I am delighted to be here today to mark this significant milestone. This exciting project will deliver first class facilities and accommodation for students and staff at South West College while enhancing the education, skills and employability of our young people.
“The construction of the new campus will also strengthen South West College’s curriculum delivery, enhancing its existing PassivHaus offering and establishing the College internationally as one of the foremost deliverers of sustainable construction training.”
Recognising the wider economic impact of the project, Noel Lavery added: “Construction of this new building will provide a significant boost to the local construction industry with over 200 new jobs being created during construction, including a number of apprenticeship opportunities.”
Mr. Michael McAlister, Chief Executive, said; “South West College is delighted to have reached this milestone event in the College’s history. We are on the cusp of an exciting new era, with the cutting of the first sod at the Erne Campus, which will see the construction excellence of Tracey Brothers, the financial commitment of the Department for the Economy and the vision and aspiration of South West College brought together for the economic, social and educational benefit of the Southwest Region. Students, parents and employers alike will all see huge opportunities emanate from the new development and we look forward to sharing the College’s journey into the first PassivHaus Premium development on this scale, with the Business and Education Community in the UK, and our wider, global network of educational partners.”
Tracey Brothers Ltd. The contractor appointed to deliver the project is based in Fermanagh and with developments underway will also provide a significant number of job opportunities in the locality. John Tracey, Director Tracey Brothers Ltd., spoke of the significant of this first phase of development;
“It is great to see the sod being cut on this important site within Enniskillen. Tracey Brothers are looking forward to working closely with the College on this landmark education development and delivering another high quality Design and Build project, as well as providing much needed stimulus for the local construction industry and wider local economy”.
For further information relating to the project go to www.swc.ac.uk/ernecampus