One of Northern Ireland's largest educators has launched a public consultation on plans to develop a new state of the art 'Innovation Centre' in Newry.
The proposed Southern Regional College (SRC) multi-million pound structure would be built on the site of the former Newry Sports Centre, which was sold by the council to the college in February 2021.
The sports centre was later demolished and the site has since been used as a car park by the SRC, which has with approximately 10,000 students enrolled annually and over 900 members of staff.
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A SRC public statement read: "Southern Regional College, Newry is in the process of developing plans for a new two storey Southern Regional College 'Innovation Centre' building on the site of the existing East Campus car park.
"As part of this process, SRC wish to formally invite you to view the proposed plans for the Innovation Centre and discuss the scheme with the design team who will be attending."
The new building is set to replace the SRC's Model Campus on Catherine Street. SRC has five campuses across two council areas of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) and Newry, Mourne and Down District (NMDDC) located in in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown, with community provision also offered across the region.
The public viewing of the new campus plans will be at the SRC West Campus, Patrick Street, Newry on Tuesday May 9 between 4pm and 8pm.
The consultation is at a pre-application level and does not relate to a planning application, which would require approval by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
A further public digital consultation will take place from May 5 to 22 via the SRC website.
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