New design for Abraham Darby Academy

Developers today unveiled their new design for Telford's £35 million Abraham Darby Academy, replacing part of the original structure which collapsed this summer.

Developers Kier Moss have been working with Telford & Wrekin Council and the local community to create a revised design for a canopy on the front of the new main building.

And today it was unveiled as part of a four-week exhibition to give residents and parents the opportunity to view the plans and have their say.

The redesign follows an accident in August when the original steel canopy collapsed, injuring five people.

Health and Safety officials carried out an investigation and the scheduled January opening of the site has been delayed.

Kier Moss regional framework manager, Richard Collin, said display boards had today been set up in Park Lane Community Centre, Madeley Parish Offices, and Ironbridge Parish Offices, and would be in place for four weeks.

They will also go on show at the existing Abraham Darby Academy and Woodlands Primary School following the half-term break.

"We have already started consultation on the new design for the canopy with parents, residents and the local schools in sessions at the Park Lane Community Centre, and we also attended the open day at Abraham Darby Academy," he said.

"Now is the time for the wider community to see what we're planning, and to reveal the iconic structure that will give the building its distinctive academic appearance."

As well as the information panels, representatives from Kier Moss, the architects BDP, and Telford & Wrekin Council will attend the displays on November 3 and 10 to answer questions.

Once the exhibition is over, the revised design will be submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council for planning permission to be considered.