Southern Regional College launches free Sustainable Resource Centre in Lurgan
The Sustainable Resource Centre, based at the College's Lurgan campus, is helping schools, nurseries, playgroups and families access free materials for imaginative play and educational projects, reducing waste and encouraging creativity among children and young people.
Parents, teachers, community groups and childcare providers across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area are being invited to make the most of a new initiative at Southern Regional College aimed at encouraging creativity while promoting sustainability.
SRC's new Sustainable Resource Centre, based at the College's Lurgan campus, is helping schools, nurseries, playgroups and families access free materials for imaginative play and educational projects. The Centre is currently the only play resource centre of its kind in Northern Ireland and works by collecting donated materials from local businesses and manufacturers, giving them a new purpose instead of allowing them to go to waste.
Following an initial launch for students and staff, the Centre will open to the public during the week beginning Monday, 2 November 2026. Regular opening hours will be Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm and Fridays from 9.30am to 1pm. While access and materials are free, visitors are asked to book their visit in advance.
A wide range of materials is already available, including large sheets of cardboard, flat-packed cardboard boxes, rigid cardboard tubes, soft foam shapes, textile fibres and fabric offcuts. The resources can be used for a variety of activities, from arts and crafts projects to role play and STEM-based learning challenges.
College staff suggest that children could use the materials to create everything from space rockets and imaginative role-play settings to seasonal displays and festive craft projects. With Christmas approaching, families and schools could even create letter-writing stations for Santa using recycled materials sourced from the Centre.
The initiative aims not only to reduce waste but also to encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among children and young people. Staff and student volunteers will be on hand to offer ideas and inspiration for turning everyday materials into engaging projects.
Whether planning a classroom activity, replenishing playgroup supplies or simply looking for a new rainy-day activity at home, the Sustainable Resource Centre offers a wide range of possibilities for local families and community organisations.
Those wishing to visit the Centre can book a slot in advance through Southern Regional College's online booking system.