Education Minister, Paul Givan, is pictured with principal of Strangford Integrated College, Clare Foster; and Year 10 pupils, Ollie Nickells, and Gabriella Skelton at the site of the new development

Northern Ireland Education Minister, Paul Givan, has cut the sod on a major capital project to provide a new school building for Strangford Integrated College (IC) in Carrowdore.

The sod-cutting formally marks the commencement of construction work on the new school accommodation as part of a £38m investment by the Department of Education.

Speaking at the Strangford IC site, Givan said: “It is wonderful to be here today to see, first hand, the progress that has been made on the new school building.

“The significance of this £38m investment will be reflected in the many benefits it will deliver for pupils, families, and staff and the wider community.

“This major project will provide modern new facilities that will support the teaching and learning needs of the pupils for many years to come and create an environment that helps them to thrive.”

He added: “It is important to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the school and its stakeholders in helping to bring the project to this stage.

“They can all be proud of this positive step as they look forward to their new school building becoming a reality.”

School principal, Clare Foster, said: “This is a significant milestone for our school community.

“The contractors are on site, and staff and students are excited to see the new building progress.

“Since we opened our doors in 1997, Strangford Integrated College has continued to grow in numbers and reputation.

“This new building on our existing site will enable us to provide students with access to high-quality integrated education in a modern, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building in which our young people will continue to thrive and flourish.

The Strangford IC scheme is being funded under the Fresh Start capital programme.

AECOM is the integrated consultant team for the project and Felix O’Hare & Co has been appointed to carry out the construction works, which are due to complete in 2027.