£27.5m New-Bridge Integrated College building officially opened in Loughbrickland
The Belfast Desk | 14 October 2026 | Education
A new £27.5 million school building has been officially opened at New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland, County Down, marking a major milestone for the school community.
Education Minister Paul Givan officially opened the new facilities on Wednesday 14 October, following the completion of a construction project that began in January 2023.
The development was funded primarily through the Fresh Start Programme, with support from the UK Government, as part of efforts to improve facilities for shared and integrated education across Northern Ireland.
Construction was completed in September 2026, providing pupils and staff with a new purpose-built learning environment.
£27.5m investment in New-Bridge Integrated College
The new New-Bridge Integrated College building represents a significant investment in educational infrastructure in the Loughbrickland area.
The £27.5 million project has delivered modern facilities designed to support teaching, learning and the wider school community.
Funding was provided primarily through the Fresh Start Programme, which supports capital investment in shared and integrated education.
The programme forms part of the UK Government’s commitments under the Fresh Start and Stormont House agreements.
The new school building is intended to provide an improved learning environment for current pupils and future generations attending New-Bridge Integrated College.
Education Minister welcomes completion of school
Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed the completion of the project during the official opening.
He said: “The opening of New-Bridge Integrated College’s new school building is an exciting milestone.”
The Minister said the new facilities would provide a high-quality environment for pupils, teachers and the wider school community.
He also acknowledged the commitment of those involved in bringing the development to completion.
“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,” he said.
Mr Givan expressed confidence that the school would continue to build on its achievements and provide opportunities for young people to develop their potential.
He wished the school community success as it begins the next chapter in its history.
Principal describes momentous day for school
New-Bridge Integrated College Principal Hilary Harbinson described the opening as a landmark occasion for the school.
She said: “This is a momentous day in the history of New-Bridge Integrated College.”
Mrs Harbinson welcomed the completion of the new facilities, highlighting the years of planning and collaboration required to deliver the project.
She thanked staff, pupils, parents, governors and the wider community for their support throughout the development.
The Principal said the school was looking forward to the opportunities the new facilities would create for both current and future pupils.
Construction completed after more than three years
Work on the New-Bridge Integrated College development began in January 2023 and was completed in September 2026.
The design was undertaken by an Integrated Consultancy Team led by AECOM, while Ganson UK Ltd was appointed as the main building contractor.
The project took more than three years to complete, with the official opening taking place in October 2026.
The new facilities are now available to support the school’s educational activities.
Supporting integrated education in Northern Ireland
The development is part of wider capital investment in Northern Ireland’s education estate.
The Fresh Start Programme provides funding for school infrastructure projects associated with shared and integrated education, helping improve the facilities available to pupils and teachers.
New-Bridge Integrated College’s completed building represents one of the projects delivered through that funding.
The official opening marks the conclusion of the construction phase and the beginning of a new period for the Loughbrickland school, with pupils and staff benefiting from the completed facilities.
External link: Department of Education — New-Bridge Integrated College opening announcement
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