The newly refurbished building was delivered by the University's Estates Services' team alongside its design team led by architects McAdam Design and contractors, P & K McKaigue Ltd from Maghera. Located on the riverfront along the Strand Road, it forms part of the planned expansion of the Magee campus.
A listed historic building was transformed into the new state-of-the-art learning environment, boasting high-tech, high-spec facilities which will enable the School staff to nurture Northern Ireland's future doctors in the heart of the communities they will serve.
This £1 million investment has seen a 1530 sq metre interior space created, including an anatomy laboratory which will feature equipment such as anatomage tables and hand-held Ultrasound imaging devices; four clinical and communications skills teaching rooms, eight problem-based learning rooms, as well as hub spaces for collaborative and individual study, relaxation and socialising.
The opening of the new facility today, 23 August, also marks the School's first intake of 70 students.
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First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have welcomed the opening of Ulster University School of Medicine.
First Minister Paul Givan said: "I am pleased to be here to mark this historic occasion, as we open Ulster University School of Medicine and see this project come to fruition. It is a momentous day not just for Londonderry but for all of Northern Ireland.
"I commend the enormous amount of work which has taken place up until now, with tremendous effort from partners across government, academia, medicine and beyond. I hope everyone can take a sense of pride in what has been achieved. As our involvement ends, we hand this facility over to the students. It is they who are the most important part of this celebration.
"I wish every success to those beginning the next stage of their educational journey in medicine today - and the many future classes who will come through these doors in the years ahead."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill added: "The opening of Ulster University School of Medicine is a landmark announcement for Derry and the North West. The School of Medicine improves significantly the educational offering in Magee that will attract students from far and wide. It will create significant and long term economic benefits for the region as well as benefiting the wider health service.
"I commend all those who have worked to help secure this transformative investment and I wish all the new graduate entrants the very best with their studies and future careers.
"The Executive is committed to the regeneration of the North West, and we remain focussed on bringing about prosperity for all the people of the area. As a key part of the £250 million Derry and Strabane Region City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund package, this is a significant step forward on that journey.
"In opening the Ulster University School of Medicine we fulfil an Executive commitment and a key part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. But this success only serves to fuel our future ambition as we continue working to address the regional imbalance and fulfil the huge potential of the area."
