South West College today cut the first sod on the site of the new Erne Campus in association with Tracey Brothers Ltd, the contractors appointed to develop the £29 million state-of-the-art Campus.

The first sod has been cut at the site of a new state of the art college on the site of the old Erne Hospital which will see the future of further education secure in Fermanagh for another 50 years.

The new £29 million Erne Campus in Enniskillen consists of a 8,200 m2 building being constructed by Tracey Brothers. This will provide employment for over 200 people including a number of apprenticeship opportunities, representing a major economic boost for the region.

Designed by Hamilton Architects, the new building is due to be completed in early 2020 will further enhance the College’s existing global reputation in the sustainable construction sector and will be used to attract international companies and students in this field.

The Colleges’s Chief Executive, Michael McAlister said that this is a milestone event in the College’s history.

“We are on the cusp of an exciting new era, with the cutting of the first sod at the Erne Campus, which will see the construction excellence of Tracey Brothers, the financial commitment of the Department for the Economy and the vision and aspiration of South West College brought together for the economic, social and educational benefit of the Southwest Region. Students, parents and employers alike will all see huge opportunities emanate from the new development.”