The new £27.5 million building for New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland has been officially opened by Education Minister Paul Givan, marking an important milestone for the school and its wider community (14 October 2026).
Bennett Freehill provided Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Design and BREEAM services for the project, supporting the delivery of a modern, high-quality and sustainable learning environment for pupils and staff.
Primarily funded through the Fresh Start Programme, with support from the UK Government, the new school represents a significant investment in education infrastructure and provides New-Bridge Integrated College with high-quality facilities designed to support teaching and learning for generations to come.
Speaking at the official opening, Education Minister Paul Givan highlighted the importance of the new facilities:
“These new, high-quality facilities now provide an excellent learning environment for pupils alongside their teachers and the wider school community who help bring the school to life and make it a place where young people can thrive.”
The Minister also recognised the commitment of the school community throughout the development of the project, from initial design through to completion.
New-Bridge Integrated College Principal Hilary Harbinson described the opening as a “momentous day” in the history of the school and welcomed the opportunities the new facilities will create for current and future generations of pupils.
The project adds to Bennett Freehill’s growing portfolio within the education sector, where our integrated building services engineering and sustainability expertise supports the creation of efficient, high-performing learning environments.
Through our Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and BREEAM expertise, we work collaboratively with clients and project teams to integrate building performance and sustainability considerations throughout the design and delivery process.
We are proud to have played a role in the delivery of New-Bridge Integrated College and congratulate the school, project team and everyone involved on its official opening.
