Northern Ireland Education Minister, Paul Givan, cuts the first sod as part of the construction project, which is due to complete in 2027

Northern Ireland Education Minister, Paul Givan, has welcomed the start of construction work on the new £72m Ballycastle Shared Education Campus.

The major investment, which was first announced as a project to receive funding from the UK Government’s Fresh Start Programme in March 2016, will provide a new shared school campus building for Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle.

Cutting the first sod to officially mark the beginning of construction, the Minister said: “Today marks the start of an exciting new era for Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College as work officially begins on the new shared education campus.

“I welcome the £72m investment from the Fresh Start Programme, which is a significant milestone for both Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College.

“Once completed, these new facilities will provide much-needed education benefits for pupils, staff, teachers, parents, and for the wider community.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CC&GBC) is a partner on the project, contributing a further £3.8m to enhance the sports facilities for wider community use.

Givan said: “Pupils, teachers, and staff deserve to learn and teach in first-class facilities and this new campus will enable children to grow, thrive, learn, and prosper in an environment both indoor and outdoor that is stimulating and adaptable to changing needs.”

Geraldine Duffy, principal of Cross and Passion College, and Ian Williamson, principal of Ballycastle High School, added: “We are delighted that our shared education campus in Ballycastle has reached this exciting milestone.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people and wider community in North Antrim and is testament to the vision and dedication of our predecessors from both schools that we have reached this significant stage.”

Construction is due to be completed in late summer 2027.

The project team includes Samuel Stevenson & Sons and contractor, Heron Bros.