Design of Winsford academy unveiled in September

Plans for the new Winsford E-ACT Academy are expected to be submitted to the Government in September.

Partnership for Schools, a delivery agent for the Government's capital investment programmes into schools, is expected to receive a feasibility study prepared by Cheshire West & Chester Council in partnership with the academy and sponsors E-ACT.

The draft plans will be available for consultation in the autumn, when artists' impressions of the new building, situated on the existing site where Verdin High School is based, off Grange Lane, will be on view.

Subject to planning approval, construction will begin next spring with completion expected in summer 2013, ready for the new school year in September.

Work will then begin on demolition of the existing building which is expected to be completed by April 2014.

Woodford Lodge High School will also be closing following the opening of the new academy.

Cllr Mark Stocks, executive member for education and children, said: "Since we received Government approval in May to proceed with the feasibility study, we have been working closely with our partners including E-ACT, builders Kier and their design team BDP to develop a vision for the new academy.

"We are committed to delivering an eco-friendly building with state-of-the-art facilities which provides a stimulating learning environment where all pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential.

"The views of local residents will be vital to shaping this new educational facility which will benefit many future generations of Winsford youngsters."

The building project was made possible following a £19.5m grant from the Government in December last year.