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  • Education Minister officially opens new £27.5 million building for New-Bridge Integrated College

    Date published: 14 October 2026

    Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened a new school building at New-Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland.

    Education Minister officially opens new £27.5 million building for New-Bridge Integrated College
    Education Minister officially opens new £27.5 million building for New-Bridge Integrated College

    The £27.5 million project was funded primarily through the Fresh Start Programme, supported by the UK Government.

    Education Minister Paul Givan said: 

    “The opening of New-Bridge Integrated College’s new school building is an exciting milestone. These new, high-quality facilities now provide an excellent learning environment for pupils alongside their teachers and the wider school community who help bring the school to life and make it a place where young people can thrive. 

    “I commend the staff, pupils, parents and governors for their patience, resilience and commitment throughout the development of this project, from its initial design through to completion.

    “I have no doubt that the school will achieve continued success, whilst nurturing a passion for learning in an environment designed to support young people to achieve their full potential. I wish the entire school community every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

    Hilary Harbinson, Principal of New-Bridge Integrated College added: 

    “This is a momentous day in the history of New-Bridge Integrated College. We are delighted with our new facilities which are the result of many years of planning, dedication and support from our staff, pupils, parents, governors and wider community. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality and look forward to the opportunities these facilities will create for current and future generations of pupils.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Construction on the site began in January 2023 and was completed in September 2026.

    2. The design was completed by the Integrated Consultancy Team led by AECOM. Ganson UK Ltd was appointed as the Building Contractor.

    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 to support shared and integrated education.

    4. For more news from the Department of Education, you can follow us on our social media channels:

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    5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.

    6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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