Up to six secondary schools are due to move onto land that formerly housed a military base in Omagh, Co Tyrone.
The Strule Shared Education Campus is having money poured into it by the Department of Education. It is expected to cost at least £150 million. The co-location of schools is intended to increase opportunities for collaboration and sharing of facilities.
A mix of grammar, non-grammar, Catholic, state and special schools will occupy the site. So far, just one has opened – Arvalee School and Resource Centre.
Stormont has also spent more than £2 million constructing a road to serve the project. Now, the department says that preparatory work is being suspended after a bidder pulled out.
In a letter, a senior official confirmed the suspension: “As a matter of urgency, we are assessing the implications for the on-going viability of the procurement of this contract,” the letter states.
“As a result, the decision has been taken to suspend this procurement process as we take stock of the situation.
“This is a disappointing development; however, the department remains fully committed to delivering the educationally and strategically significant programme.”
SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossan says a further delay “throws the viability of the entire project into doubt”.
“This is a critical development for the north west. It should provide a boost for the construction industry, create new jobs and advance shared education in our communities,” he said. “It’s imperative that we do all we can to protect and advance the project.”
The department has, meanwhile, approved the expansion of a popular integrated college in Omagh. Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh has been told it can expand at the third time of asking and following a legal challenge.
While the move has been welcomed, concerns were raised during a consultation exercise about the impact it would have on the Strule campus.