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Southern Regional College has appointed Newry-based Felix O'Hare and Company Limited as the principal contractor to build a new cutting-edge Innovation Centre on Patrick Street in the city. Construction is due to commence early next year and the facility is planned to be operational from September 2027.
The new campus, fully funded by the Department for the Economy at a cost of £14.5 million, will be built on the existing Newry East Campus car park on Patrick Street, formerly the site of Newry Sports Centre. The project will see the rationalisation of the college's Newry estate, expanding its presence on Patrick Street and reinforcing its commitment to provide high-quality, future-focused education infrastructure.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the project aligns closely with her economic vision, adding that the award of the contract gives Newry City and the wider area a significant boost through the expansion of access to high-quality vocational and technical training provision. Minister Archibald said she looks forward to seeing construction commence on site next year ahead of the new Innovation Centre opening its doors to students in September 2027.
The new Innovation Centre, designed by McAdam Design, received full planning approval earlier this year. Spanning 2,223m2, the two-storey facility will offer vibrant, student-centred learning environments promoting innovation, creativity and academic excellence across further and higher education. Key features will include a dedicated project-based learning space, collaborative workspaces and breakout areas, all designed with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, described it as an exciting development for the college, the city of Newry and the region. She said the new Innovation Centre will position them to meet the evolving demands of a modern economy and reflects their ambition and sustained commitment to deliver innovative, future-ready education. Mrs Campbell added that it will also enable them to strengthen their valued partnerships with the community, local employers and regional stakeholders.
Headquartered in Newry, Felix O'Hare & Co Ltd has over 100 years' experience in delivering high-quality construction projects. Its impressive portfolio includes SRC's state-of-the-art Armagh Campus, which opened in September 2020, as well as a range of high-profile developments such as Queen's University Belfast's multi-million-pound Student Centre and School of Law facility, and Dublin City University's Albert College.
Construction Director of Felix O'Hare and Co Ltd, Mark Campbell, said that having previously constructed the Sports Centre that originally stood on the Patrick Street site, they are delighted to be involved in the delivery of the new SRC Innovation Centre. He added that with their team making preparations to commence works on site, they look forward to working with colleagues at SRC and are committed to delivering a sustainable project, using local suppliers and labour within their supply chain, promoting local jobs, apprenticeships and revenue within the wider Newry area.
Conor Quinn, (Quantity Surveying Director - Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd), Ryan Patterson
(Project Manager – Department for the Economy), Brian McCavery – (Project
Manager – Southern Regional College), Lee Campbell (Principal and Chief
Executive - Southern Regional College), Martin Hare (Managing Director – McAdam
Design), Gary Young, (Head of Estates – Southern Regional College), Dr Caoimhe
Archibald MLA (Minister for the Economy), Mark Campbell (Contracts Director
- Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd), Marianne Jerard (Projects Manager – McAdam Design),
Chris Watson (Architect - McAdam Design).
The project marks a significant boost for Newry City, supporting the regeneration of the area and delivering substantial economic and skills benefits. It will not only directly enhance the provision of high-quality professional and technical education across the region, but will also generate valuable employment opportunities for local citizens.
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the announcement describing it as a major boost for Newry and the local economy that will strengthen cross-border educational opportunities.
Ms Kimmins said the centre will give students from across the region access to cutting-edge facilities and shared learning environments. She also welcomed the fact that Newry-based contractor Felix O'Hare & Co Ltd will be leading the build, ensuring real benefits for local workers and businesses.
