NEW BRUNSWICK – Middlesex County is investing $16 million to consolidate ownership of the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center and transform it into an educational facility aimed at strengthening workforce development and stimulating economic growth.
The plan was announced at a press conference Thursday, where county officials said Middlesex County’s financial stability and health allows the county to invest prudently in the best interests of the community.
Located at 10 Livingston Ave., across from the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, the hotel offers new employment opportunities, career pathways and expanded educational opportunities to students at Middlesex College and Middlesex County Magnet School.
Modeled after the RWJBarnabas Health Workforce Partnership, new or enhanced curricula are being developed to provide a clear path for county students to access hands-on training in a hotel setting, strengthening Middlesex County’s future talent pool.
“This educational investment in the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center is a groundbreaking moment for our economic development and the future of Middlesex County,” said Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County County Commissioner Director. “Innovation is a hallmark of Middlesex County, and we are innovating in workforce development, enabling a strong economic future for our community, building new educational pathways for our county students and creating jobs.”
The 35,000-square-foot, 11-story building will be reimagined as a professional development center for a range of degree programs, including hospitality, culinary arts, construction management, business administration, skilled trades and more. Students will benefit from the expertise of Heldrich’s unionized staff to continue to meet and support the hospitality needs of local residents, visitors, business leaders, corporate partners and athletes.
New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, who was among the officials attending the announcement, said the hands-on, real-world training opportunities will prepare students for exciting and varied careers.
Mark McCormick, president of Middlesex College, said the school’s students will benefit from access to real-world work environments and will reflect on the college’s mission to provide an affordable education that leads to the skills for careers with a family-sustaining salary.
