NWRC plans for new campus move forward
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning department for the proposed redevelopment of the North West Regional College in Strabane.
THE new North West Regional College (NWRC) campus planned for Strabane is moving closer to becoming a reality as part of the £115 million Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Programme.
The proposed development is another key component of the wider redevelopment of the Canal Basin area planned as part of the City Deal funding.
The £15.2 million project is intended to replace the existing campus on Derry Road and will result in a modern facility sitting alongside a new leisure centre, improved public spaces and a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Mourne.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning department for the proposed redevelopment of the College.
Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA., Paul Boggs, welcomed the announcement.
"This development is an important part of the wider Strabane City Deal," he said.
"A new, modern NWRC campus in Strabane will be a huge boost for the area as the College will be more attractive to new students and moving it closer to the town centre will increase footfall also.
"Alongside a new town centre Leisure facility as well as a redesigned public space, including play facilities, in the Canal basin, this part of the town is going to be completely transformed.
NWRC is also planning public consultation sessions on the proposed new campus, giving local residents, businesses and other interested parties an opportunity to view the plans and provide feedback.
The sessions will be held on November 19 from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm in Strabane Library.
Mr Boggs added: "I encourage everyone to attend the engagement events planned for November and December of this year."
"The Sinn Féin team will continue to work with NWRC, the council and other stakeholders to see this project progress as soon as possible."
Local independent councillor, Paul Gallagher, also welcomed the news.
"The scheme is to be incorporated with the Canal Link Road realignment which is subject to a separate planning application," he said.
"Transformational work for the town as part of the City Deal is moving forward."