Campus project aiming to ‘maximise social and economic outcomes’

MEMBERS of the public will be able to view the progress of construction on the new Strule Shared Education Campus as part of efforts by the Department of Education to reach out to the Omagh community.

Education Minister, Paul Givan, and the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald recently visited Omagh to announce a major £150 million funding package for the completion of the new educational facility.

Arvalee School and Resource Centre has already been built on the site of the former Lisanelly Army barracks. Five more post-primary schools in Omagh will now move to new buildings when the campus is finally completed.

They are: Christian Brothers School, Sacred Heart College, Omagh Academy, Omagh High School and Loreto Grammar.

Now, Mr Givan has said he hopes that the Strule Campus will deliver the ‘highest levels’ of social returns from a capital programme.

“It is important that my department makes a difference and utilitises major investment to maximise the social and economic outcomes for Strule’s students, local people, local businesses and social enterprises,” he stated in a letter to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

“Additional community engagement potential of the programme will particularly involve students in a wider range of learning and knowledge exchange opportunities.

“An on-site Strule community project office will also be open for the public to experience the construction project management process from the outset of mobilisation, view progress and plans as well as jobs, training, sub-contracting and trade opportunities.”

The Department has outlined what it describes as ‘minimum requirements’ for the new contractor to meet.

These will include at least two ‘Meet the Buyer’ days to inform the local community of employment and training opportunities, engage with local schools to promote the construction sector as a viable career path and engage with at least one local charity to organise a fundraising event in association with the Strule Shared Education Campus programme.