Work starts on new school building

The first piece of turf has been overturned to mark the start of the £35 million Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community building programme in Telford.

The new Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community will see the existing Abraham Darby Academy demolished and rebuilt as part of the Haberdashers family of schools.

Woodlands Primary School will also be rebuilt on the same site along with leisure, heath and family services. The Sports and Learning Community will be open to the whole community to use during and outside of school hours.

The project has secured funding from the Partnership for Schools Building Schools for the Future initiative.

The construction firm Kier has also signed a contract with Telford & Wrekin Council.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children and young people at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The Sports and Learning Community will benefit all people of any age and will raise aspirations across the borough."