A new �70m University of Ulster campus in Belfast has been given the official go-ahead.

Minister for higher and further education Dr Sean Farren made the announcement on Tuesday and said the government had pledged �40m towards the project.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Farren said: "In addition, I am delighted to announce that Gerard Kelly, formerly Chief Executive of the Southern Education and Library Board, has agreed to act as Chair of the Springvale Board.

"This is a huge boost for further and higher education in general and this area of north and west Belfast in particular.

"It shows clearly that the Executive, with local people making local decisions, is working effectively for all the people of Northern Ireland."

Known as the Springvale Educational Village, it will be the university's fifth campus in the province, with places for up to 4,500 students.

First sod cut

The funding announcement had been long-awaited after the first sod of the new campus was cut in 1998 by US President Bill Clinton.

Part of the new campus was due to have been started by now, but has been delayed, in spite of what appeared to be a government commitment to a �40m contribution.

Dr Farren said the remainder of the money needed would come from a range of sources including the International Fund for Ireland, the Millennium Commission as well as private sources.

Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, has welcomed the minister's decision.

He said: "The Springvale Educational Village means many things.

"It will directly address the problems of educational under-achievement at all levels in a deprived area.

"It will provide much needed employment skills for participants of all ages, help to attract inward investment and provide a bridge, real and symbolic, between the two communities."

SDLP Assembly member for west Belfast Dr Joe Hendron, who has campaigned for a campus at Springvale since 1993, has also welcomed the announcement.

He said the campus would have a "very positive impact on the social, cultural and economic regeneration of west and north Belfast.

"It will open the area up to new influences. It is a unique concept and will indeed bring together the strengths of the Further and Higher Education sectors and the community in a new alliance."

The education village is now running about a year behind schedule with the final campus not expected to be ready before 2003.