Knees Up, Coleraine! New Causeway Campus Set to Boost Local Trade

Northern Regional College’s (NRC) new Causeway Campus in Coleraine reached a significant milestone last week with its official handover from the contractor Heron Bros. This event marks a major development for the town, promising considerable economic benefits for local businesses.

Following the handover, a series of familiarisation tours for staff and students have been conducted, receiving enthusiastic feedback from both groups. Staff are set to commence work at the new campus on 1 August 2024, with new and returning students beginning their studies in September for the start of the 2024/25 academic year.

Starting September 2024, courses previously offered at the College’s former campus in Ballymoney will be delivered at the new Causeway Campus in Coleraine. The new campus has been developed on an expanded site that includes the former Church of Ireland St Patrick’s Hall on Brook Street.

With up to 1,000 students and 100 staff expected daily, Coleraine’s local businesses are preparing for a surge in activity. Eateries, cafes, shops, and various service providers are poised to benefit from this increased footfall. The new campus is anticipated to drive significant economic growth in the town, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and the local business community.

In the coming weeks, Coleraine BID will inform local businesses on the opportunities to attract this new era of customers from the influx of students. The initiative aims to create strong connections between the college community and local enterprise, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity for the future.

The campus's strategic location in Coleraine ensures that students will have easy access to the town’s amenities, further integrating the college community with the local economy. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services is expected to create more job opportunities, boosting the area’s economic landscape.