Institute unveils plans for future with €6m site
The building work is the first major development at WIT’s new Carriganore campus, located on the old Kilmeaden road.
The 2,500-sq metre enterprise, research and incubation facility is expected to attract a large number of students from Ireland and abroad to the South East. A number of businesses will also be based on the site working with students.
McInerney Contracting has been given the contract to construct the four-storey building, which is expected to open in 2005.
Director of WIT Professor Kieran Byrne said the commencement of work on the new facility represented an important milestone.
“We are delighted to have work under way. It has huge symbolic importance as it provides proof positive of our seriousness of intention when it comes to developing the Carriganore site.
“The activity that will be centralised at the new unit will serve to underline our links with the commercial world as we act as a hothouse for fledgling companies through a range of enterprise-friendly programmes,” he said.
Part-funded by Enterprise Ireland and the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions, the centre is expected to cater for hundreds of students.
Plans are also in place for a major programme of works to develop sports, recreation and leisure facilities at Carriganore.
A key component of this will be the establishment of water sports facilities at the riverside site.
Last year WIT announced plans to build a student village on the site, where much of WIT’s future growth will be concentrated. The development will benefit from direct access when the new Waterford City bypass is completed.
Meanwhile, WIT has also announced its intention to sell its Newgate Street campus which houses the college’s art and trade school.
Students and staff will relocate to WIT’s applied technology building on the IDA Industrial Park.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
