Education Minister 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:
1. 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.
2.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.
