Education Minister marks construction work on new £38m school for Strangford Integrated College
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has cut the sod on a major capital project to provide a new school building for Strangford Integrated College (IC) in Carrowdore.
The sod-cutting formally marks the commencement of construction on the new school accommodation, in an investment of £38 million by the Department of Education.
Speaking at the Strangford IC site, the Minister said: “It is wonderful to be here today to see first hand the progress that has been made on the new school building. The significance of this £38 million investment will be reflected in the many benefits it will deliver for pupils, families and staff and the wider community.
“This major project will provide modern new facilities that will support the teaching and learning needs of the pupils for many years to come and create an environment that helps them to thrive.”
The Minister continued: “It is important to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the school and its stakeholders in helping to bring the project to this stage. Today, they can all be proud of this positive step as they look forward to their new school building becoming a reality. I wish everyone at Strangford Integrated College every success for the future.”
Principal of Strangford Integrated College Mrs Clare Foster: “This is a significant milestone for our school community. The contractors are on site, and staff and students are excited to see the new building progress.
“Since we opened our doors in 1997, Strangford Integrated College has continued to grow in numbers and reputation. This new building on our existing site will enable us to provide students with access to high quality integrated education in a modern, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building in which our young people will continue to thrive and flourish.
“Our students deserve the best start in life, and we are looking forward to the opportunities that the enhanced school facilities and top-class sporting facilities will offer to both students and staff.
“A great deal of work has gone into getting to the new build project to this stage I would like to thank the Department of Education, project consultants AECOM and the Board of Governors for their support in making this happen.”
The Strangford IC scheme is being funded under the Fresh Start capital programme.
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO 1 - Education Minister Paul Givan is pictured with Principal of Strangford Integrated College Mrs Clare Foster along with members of the Board of Governors and pupils at the new school site.
PHOTO 2 - (L-R) Year 10 pupil Ollie Nickells, Principal Mrs Clare Foster, Education Minister Paul Givan and Year 10 pupil Gabriella Skelton.
2.AECOM are the Integrated Consultant Team on the project. Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd were appointed to carry out the construction works which are due to complete in 2027.
3.The Fresh Start funding forms part of the UK Government's commitment, as part of the Fresh Start and Stormont House agreements, to deliver new capital funding over 10 years to support shared and integrated education.
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