Northern Regional College bids fond farewell to Trostan Avenue and Farm Lodge campuses in Ballymena

As Northern Regional College prepares for a significant new chapter, staff, students, and the wider Ballymena community gathered on Thursday, 29 May to bid a heartfelt farewell to the Trostan Avenue and Farm Lodge campuses.

The evening event was steeped in nostalgia, bringing together current and former members of staff and students to celebrate the legacy of both campuses. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on decades of learning, achievements, and cherished memories shared within the College walls.

The closures mark the end of an era for Northern Regional College in Ballymena. However, the College is looking firmly to the future, with anticipation building around the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art campus in the town.

Northern Regional College staff, Michele Bell and Teresa McMullan indulging in some of the memorabilia and photos of the College from over 50 years ago provided by the local community.

Scheduled to open its doors to students in September 2025, the new facility will be located just off St Patricks Link and will consolidate the College’s three Ballymena sites into one modern, purpose-built campus.

The ambitious development is designed to meet the evolving needs of learners, providing cutting-edge learning environments, improved accessibility, and enhanced student services.

“This new campus will represent a major investment in education in Ballymena,” a College spokesperson said. “It’s about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s a commitment to providing world-class opportunities for current and future generations.”

The College has confirmed that applications are now open for courses starting in September 2025, and prospective students are encouraged to visit nrc.ac.uk to find out more.

A few Northern Regional College long-serving staff members, Robert Wilson, Gordon Kane and John McClintock gathered together to share their memories from over the years at the College.

The farewell celebration also underscored the importance of Northern Regional College’s role in the local community. Many attendees spoke fondly of the impact the campuses had on their personal and professional lives, from school-leavers and adult learners to long-serving faculty and alumni.

With its legacy firmly cemented in Ballymena’s educational landscape, Northern Regional College now looks ahead with ambition and optimism, as the countdown begins to the unveiling of its next chapter in 2025.

Curriculum Director, Christine Brown, Student President, Aiden Hoey, Adele McCann, Creative Media Lecturer, and College Principal & Chief Executive, Mel Higgins enjoying the celebrations at the farewell event in Trostan Avenue campus.

Health & Social Care students Aspen Mahaffy and Molly McGarry helped at the event.

College Student President Aiden Hoey and Bertie Sterling, former Caretaker from 1988.

Former Creative Media Production students, Kerri Robinson and Ryan Law.

Former College lecturers Siobhan Martin and Lorraine O’Neill celebrating together to bid a final farewell to Trostan Avenue and Farm Lodge campuses in Ballymena.

Former students Gerard Dougan and Morris McIllvenna and lecturer Bobby McQuillan gathered to reminisce about their time at the College.

Former Vice-Principal of Northern Regional College, Dr Catherine O’Mullan along with Curriculum Director Christine Brown.

John McClintock, Curriculum Area Manager [Department of Advanced Technologies] at Northern Regional College, pictured with his father Paddy McClintock who taught Physics at the College for 25 years.

Northern Regional College’s Michele Bell and former Principal of North East Institute (1982-2008) Dr Sam Hanna.

Former College student and Engineering Lecturer, Hugh Matchett.

Desmond McAleese who completed his 11 plus at Ballymena New Technical College in 1966.

Twins Janice Conner and Laura Hamill (nee Lowry) who completed their Intensive Secretarial course at Ballymena Technical College in 1984.

Past students Laura Hamill and Janice Conner pictured with their former lecturer Iris Craig (centre).

Former College lecturer Bobby McQuillan enjoying the evening full of nostalgia at the farewell event at Trostan Avenue campus, Ballymena.

Northern Regional College Art & Design students Sophie Prior and Lee Crawford.

Northern Regional College Catering students, Zack Courtney, Molly Black, Ben McDowell and Maciej Gonula with their lecturer, Eimear McCann (centre) who prepared and served delicious treats for visitors.

For more information on course offerings and to apply, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.