Work starts on new Telford academy
Pupils from two Telford schools came together today to help start work on the new building that will house their joint academy.
Students from both Wrockwardine Wood Arts College and Sutherland Business and Enterprise College helped cut the sod at the site of the new Telford Co-operative Academy in Oakengates.
The academy, which is part of Telford & Wrekin Council's £200 million Building Schools for the Future scheme, will bring both schools together into a 1,200-place new school for 11 to 16-year-olds.
Students from both schools joined council representatives to ceremonially start the work on the site at Oakengates Leisure Centre.
Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: "It's great to be here, great to see representatives from both the co-operative schools, and fantastic to see the kids here.
"I am really pleased to be here for the cutting of the first sod."
The work will be carried out by York-based Shepherd Construction.
The scheme will also include modernisation of the leisure centre. The academy will benefit from the sports facilities that are already on site, including the swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, all-weather pitch and athletics track.
Jeremy Eavis, of Shepherd Construction, said: "The work will commence on March 17.
I think the important thing is we have a great relationship with Telford & Wrekin Council. We are really excited about the scheme, and there are some fantastic designs."
The new 8,550sq metre school is part of a £200 million plan to rebuild or remodel every secondary school in the borough.
