Northern Regional College to host public ‘sneak peek’ of new Ballymena campus

The new Northern Regional College (NRC) in Ballymena

Northern Regional College is set to offer the public a first glimpse of its brand-new Ballymena campus with a special open day on Tuesday 26 August.

The highly anticipated £multi-million campus, covering 16,800m², will open to students in the 2025/26 academic year.

It will bring together the College’s three Ballymena sites into one central, purpose-built facility designed to provide a modern learning environment for school-leavers, adult learners, and business professionals across the region.

Described as an “innovative learning space”, the new Ballymena campus is expected to deliver an expanded curriculum and enhanced facilities that will support learners and employers alike for years to come.

The ‘sneak peek’ event will give members of the public the chance to explore the campus ahead of its official opening. Doors will be open from 10am to 3pm, with guided tours departing every hour from 10.30am.

Visitors will be able to see first-hand the world-class facilities and find out more about the wide range of courses beginning in September.

Inside the new NRC Ballymena campus

A College spokesperson said:

“People in Ballymena and beyond have been watching the development of the new campus with great interest. This is a fantastic opportunity to step inside, experience the innovative learning spaces, and discover the exciting opportunities Northern Regional College will be offering from 2025.”

Temporary parking arrangements

To support visitors on the day, free temporary car parking is available in Car Park A at Ballymena Showgrounds, accessed via St. Patrick’s Link. From there, it is a short walk to the new campus via the footpath beside the new road.

Map showing temporary parking arrangements

Accessible parking is also available to the right of the main building, also accessed through the St. Patrick’s Link entrance.

The College confirmed that the new on-site car park is scheduled to open in January 2026, with over 450 spaces, including EV charging points, accessible bays, and cycle parking.

Looking ahead

The new Ballymena campus represents a significant investment in education for the town and wider Mid and East Antrim area. With its focus on cutting-edge facilities and an expanded curriculum, the College hopes to play a pivotal role in preparing learners for the future workforce.

For further details about the new Ballymena campus and to explore course options, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.