The Mayor of Bolton was joined by the Kier Northern site team, local councillors, school sponsors and staff as he tightened the last bolt on Essa Academy's steel frame.

The £20 million, ultra-modern building will be home to Britain's first self-sufficient carbon free classrooms, an interactive wraparound 3D Theatre and an international business centre, as well as having outstanding ICT facilities. The design also features an outside courtyard area and a covered external space.

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The recent bolt tightening ceremony marked a significant milestone in the construction programme and was a celebration for all involved in this cutting-edge project.

Commenting at the ceremony, Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Byrne, said: "The building is so state-of-the-art, it can only help to be educated in such a fine modern building. I only wish I had been taught in a place like this!"

Kier Northern began work on the new academy building in the summer and work is expected to be complete by the start of the next academic year.

(CD/GK)