The new £29 million Erne campus is situated on the site of the former Erne Hospital in Enniskillen and is scheduled for completion in August 2020. 

On Friday, a ‘topping out’ ceremony was held as the last part of the exterior of the building was completed.

Local company, Tracey Brothers Ltd is the contractor responsible for the Campus build, and they hosted the ceremony to celebrate the key construction phase. 

John Tracey said, “It is a privilege for Tracey Brothers to host today’s topping out ceremony. ‘Topping out’ is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam or stone is placed on top a structure during its construction, this tradition dates back to the construction of the Pyramids. 

The Erne Campus at South West College will be a flagship for sustainable construction with its pioneering PassivHaus premium standard and modern design and construction. Therefore, it is fitting to introduce tradition into this modern building today at this topping out ceremony”. The Erne Campus will be a flagship for sustainable construction globally, as the first educational building in the world to achieve PassivHaus Premium and BREEAM Excellent accreditations.

The construction of the building has provided employment for over 200 people, including a number of apprenticeship opportunities representing a major economic boost for the South West region.  

Michael McAlister, Chief Executive, South West College, said, “This is truly a momentous day for South West College and also for the South West Region of Northern Ireland and the wider Border Region. We are rapidly moving towards the opening of this world class educational campus and will by August 2020 have one of the finest college buildings in Western Europe.”