South West College is delighted to announce that Tracey Brothers Ltd. has been appointed as the main contractor for the construction and development of the new Erne Campus. The new campus which will be situated on the site of the former Erne hospital in Enniskillen, represents an investment of over £29 million by the Department for the Economy.
The new campus, which has been designed by Hamilton Architects, will see the delivery of the first educational building worldwide to achieve the highest international standard in environmental construction – PassivHaus Premium, ranking it alongside prestigious buildings such as the Apple Campus 2 in terms of sustainable innovation and design.
Construction of the 8,200 m2 building is scheduled to begin in March 2018 and 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 January 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.
Beverley Harrison, Director of Further Education, Department for the Economy, commented on the significance of the appointment:
“The Department welcomes this significant announcement for South West College and for the Fermanagh area. This new campus demonstrates the Department’s continuing commitment to further education and to delivering the skills needed to grow the local economy. As well as the immediate boost to the local construction sector, the new building will showcase the potential role which further education can play in supporting and developing the local economy and marketing N Ireland on a world stage”.
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 launch of the Erne Campus project, 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. Which was awarded the contract is based in Fermanagh and the announcement will also provide a significant number of job opportunities in the locality.
John Tracey, Director Tracey Brothers Ltd., spoke of his delight at being awarded the contract;
“This contract award is testament to Tracey Brothers’ expertise in delivering high quality and innovative Design & Build projects. This is a market we have developed a strong reputation in and we look forward to working closely with the College on this landmark education development. It is all the more pleasing that the development will see life brought back to this strategically important site within Enniskillen and at the same time provide much needed stimulus to the local construction industry and wider economy”.
Further information and to view a video relating to the project please log on to www.swc.ac.uk/ernecampus