Campuses of the future – Greenmount
Greenmount Campus is the centre of all things green, delivering education and training in agriculture, horticulture and the environment in an idyllic rural setting for land-based studies. The history of Greenmount can be found here. This connection with the environment will be incorporated into the design and materials used in the new buildings and surrounding landscape.
The aim of this major construction project is to build new teaching, student residential accommodation, staff offices and conference facilities to ensure that the buildings at Greenmount meet the current and future needs of students, staff and the agri-food industry, are fit-for-purpose and project a positive image of CAFRE.
Progress to date
Hamilton Architects were appointed as the Integrated Consultant Team in August 2022.
Planning permission for Greenmount Redevelopment was granted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on 21 October 2024.
The Project has completed RIBA Stage 3: Spatial Co-ordination
Design Proposals
Phase 1 – Student Residential Accommodation
Phase 1 is the construction of the student residential accommodation comprising 200 ensuite student bedrooms with self-catering facilities and communal areas, including a fitness suite and social spaces.

Phase 2 – Teaching Building
Phase 2 is the construction of the teaching block comprising 15 classrooms, a state-of-the-art teaching and projects laboratory, a specialist practical classroom for teaching Veterinary Nursing and a lecture theatre for 70 students.

Phase 3 – Central Hub
Phase 3 is the construction of the front-of-house reception area, a conference centre, dining facilities and staff offices.
The reception will provide a clear focal point for visitors to the campus and will be linked to the conference centre with commanding views of the landscape.
It is envisaged that the dining area will become the hub of the campus with its links to the reception area and staff building providing easy access from key areas such as the GRC plaza and the new central campus boulevard.
The staff building will consist of open plan offices for 120 staff, plus meeting rooms, and have views over the gardens and the Manor House.



Indicative Key Milestone Dates
- Phase 1 Demolition and construction commence – Spring 2026
- Phase 1 Construction completion – Summer 2027
- Phase 2 Demolition and construction commence – Winter 2028
- Phase 2 Construction completion – Summer 2029
- Phase 3 Demolition and construction commence – Winter 2030
- Phase 3 Construction completion – Autumn 2031
Dates are indicative at this stage and subject to change.