'Committed to developing a design that will provide a lasting legacy': Newry contractor comes full circle, returning to build £14.5m Innovation Centre on former sports centre site

Construction to begin early next year on the Department for the Economy–funded project, set to transform SRC’s Newry estate and boost the city’s economic regeneration ahead of a 2027 opening

Southern Regional College (SRC) has appointed Felix O’Hare and Company Limited as the principal contractor to build a new cutting-edge Innovation Centre on the existing Newry East Campus car park on Patrick Street Newry, formerly the site of Newry Sports Centre.

placeholder image — The Principal and chief executive of Southern Regional College, together with SRC Estate staff, were accompanied by the Economy Minister and representatives from Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd and McAdam Design to officially mark the formal contractor appointment. Pictured is Conor Quinn, (Quantity Surveying Director - Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd), Ryan Patterson (Project Manager – Department for the Economy), Brian McCavery – (Project Manager – Southern Regional College), Lee Campbell (Principal and Chief Executive - Southern Regional College), Martin Hare (Managing Director – McAdam Design), Gary Young, (Head of Estates – Southern Regional College), Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA (Minister for the Economy), Mark Campbell (Contracts Director - Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd), Marianne Jerard (Projects Manager – McAdam Design), Chris Watson (Architect - McAdam Design)

The new campus, fully funded by the Department for the Economy, will see the rationalisation of the College’s Newry estate expanding its presence on Patrick Street and reinforcing its commitment to provide high-quality, future-focused education infrastructure.

Construction is due to commence early next year with the build planned to be operational from September 2027.

This project also marks a significant boost for Newry City, supporting the regeneration of the area and delivering substantial economic and skills benefits to the city.

This project will not only directly enhance the provision of high-quality professional and technical education across the region, but it will also generate valuable employment opportunities for local citizens.

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Welcoming the appointment, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, said: “This £14.5 million project, fully funded by my Department, aligns closely with my economic vision. The award of this contract gives Newry City and the wider area a significant boost through the expansion of access to high-quality vocation and technical training provision.

“I look forward to seeing construction commence on site next year ahead of the new Innovation Centre opening its doors to students in September 2027.”

Headquartered in Newry, Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd is an established contractor with over 100 years’ experience in delivering high quality construction projects. Its impressive portfolio includes SRC’s state of the art Armagh Campus, which opened in September 2020, as well as a range of high-profile developments such as Queen’s University Belfast’s multi-million-pound Student Centre and School of Law facility, and Dublin City University’s Albert College, among others.

The new Innovation Centre, designed by McAdam Design, received full planning approval earlier this year. Spanning 2,223m 2 , this two-storey facility will offer vibrant, student-centred learning environments promoting innovation, creativity, and academic excellence across further and higher education. Key features will include a dedicated project-based learning space, collaborative workspaces and breakout areas, all designed with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Lee Campbell, Principal and chief executive of Southern Regional College continued: “This is an exciting development for Southern Regional College, the city of Newry and the region. The new Innovation Centre will position us to meet the evolving demands of a modern economy and reflects our ambition and sustained commitment to deliver innovative, future-ready education. It will also enable us to strengthen our valued partnerships with the community, local employers and regional stakeholders.

“I welcome the investment by the Department for the Economy along with the appointment of Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd, and I look forward to seeing the commencement of the main construction element of the project.”

Welcoming to the appointment, construction director of Felix O’Hare and Co Ltd, Mark Campbell added: “Having previously constructed the Sports Centre that originally stood on the Patrick Street site, we are delighted to be involved in the delivery of the new SRC Innovation Centre, and are committed to developing a design that will provide a lasting legacy for the Newry and Mourne Community.

“With our team making preparations to commence works on site, we look forward to working with our colleagues at SRC and are committed to delivering a sustainable project, using local suppliers and labour within our supply chain, promoting local jobs, apprenticeships and revenue within wider Newry area.”