Redevelopment of CAFRE campus set for green light
The redevelopment of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in Co Antrim will feature latest building design and renewable energy technologies
Plans for the redevelopment of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in Co Antrim are set to move forward after being recommended for approval.
CAFRE is seeking permission for a redevelopment which consists of a number of elements including demolition, new build and renewable energy initiatives.
A key aim of the CAFRE redevelopment project is to build the most sustainable campuses in the UK and Ireland by utilising the latest building design and renewable energy technologies to create exemplar buildings, which achieve BREEAM Outstanding and Passivhaus Premium accreditation.
The Greenmount campus redevelopment is planned across three phases focused on three defined pockets within the site.
The demolition aspect includes the demolition of three significant buildings including Fulton Hall, Boyd Hall, the Technology Building along with the demolition of storage and student accommodation units.
That will pave the way for the construction of new student accommodation, teaching facilities and a conference building along with staff offices and facilities.
The proposal also includes a number of renewable energy initiatives including the installation of roof-mounted solar panels, a ground source heat pump and a battery energy storage system.
A number of the existing buildings within the campus are Grade B1 listed, including Manor House, the Principal’s Lodge and a pair of gate lodges.
A report to be scrutinised by councillors recommends approval is granted.
The report highlights that the principle of the development has been established while the design, layout and appearance of the proposal is acceptable.
Professionals working on the scheme include Bennett Freehill and Hamilton Architects.