Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald officially opened the Northern Regional College's new £55 million campus in Ballymena on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

The Co Antrim campus, which is already open to learners, features state-of-the-art learning and training facilities and has reported a 12% increase in full-time enrolments for the new academic year.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this investment is part of a wider £101 million capital programme enhancing Northern Regional College's estate, which also includes the recently completed Causeway Campus in Coleraine.

Speaking at the official opening, Dr Archibald said the new facility would allow the College to continue its "excellent work in providing the training and skills which underpin my Economic Vision."

"The local economy here is supported by a vibrant engineering sector... this new campus is well placed to deliver" a highly skilled workforce, she added. The 16,800m² campus, situated on the former Farm Lodge site, unifies the College's provision in the town into a single facility, accommodating approximately 1,800 learners annually.

A key feature is the Advanced Technologies Department, covering approximately 5,000m² across the ground and first floors. This department provides specialist training in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, and Electronic Engineering, alongside Motor Vehicle and Construction Engineering disciplines. The curriculum also supports essential trades such as Plumbing and Bricklaying.

Northern Regional College Principal and Chief Executive Mel Higgins commented that the purpose-built facility marks a "major investment in the future of education, skills development, and innovation within the region".

Minister Archibald also highlighted the project's benefit to the local construction industry: "Almost 1,500 weeks of employment and training were provided across a range of construction-related trades as this campus was built... With 27 apprentices afforded the opportunity to learn their trade right here".