Smith Confirms £31.6 million investment for NW Institute

Infrastructure investment of £31.6million will provide a major boost to the further and higher education sector in the Maiden City.

Unveiling details of the new investment package that will involve an ambitious programme of renewal and refurbishment of existing sites at the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (NWIFHE), Employment and Learning Minister, Angela Smith said:  

“£9.46million of the package is immediately available for the early phase of this programme to carry out new build developments at the Lawrence Building and at Boating Club Lane. Facilities at Springtown will also be upgraded.

“The ongoing programme, which could take up to seven years to complete,  will provide modern teaching facilities throughout the catchment area of the North West Institute and will afford it the opportunity to consolidate existing sites within its estate.

“The Institute’s current accommodation has a number of deficiencies and space shortfalls which need to be resolved, if it is to provide fit for purpose facilities, that meet high curriculum standards and are appropriate to meet the needs of students and staff.”

The Minister said that the Institute planned to provide quality facilities that would promote the vision of lifelong learning, consolidate Further Education provision in the area and ensure equality of access to all communities.  

Highlighting the importance of the Further Education sector to the economy, Angela Smith said:

“Further Education Colleges have a major contribution to make in revitalising the social, economic and learning aspects of the communities they serve. This is why government has promoted the major investment programme currently underway in colleges throughout Northern Ireland. The funding committed today provides further confirmation of Government’s commitment to the sector and the young people and adults using its facilities.”

In conclusion the Minister said she looked forward to the commencement of the programme and believed that upon completion the Institute would be in a stronger position to serve the community and the local economy.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • The following phasing programme has been identified by the Institute as the preferred programme to meet priority requirements and remove reliance on leased and poor quality accommodation:
  • Phase 1 – Consolidation of Motor Vehicle workshops at Springtown.

Completion: Year 1.

  • Phase 2 – New build development at Boating Club Lane.

Construction: Year 1, 2 and 3.

  • Phase 3 – New build development at the front of the Lawrence Building.  Construction: Years 1, 2 and 3.
  • Phase 4 – Development at the Christ Church site.

Construction: Year 5.

  • Phase 5 – New build development at Clondermott.

Construction: Years 6 and 7.

  • Phase 6 – Refurbishment of the Springtown Facility.

Construction: Years 6 and 7.  

  • Phase 7 – Tower Courtyard Development.

Construction: Year 6.

  • Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7492.