Kier has started work on a new state-of-the-art £15m academy in Gloucester.

Proposals to demolish the current Cotteswold Road building and create a new modern facility in its place were approved by the city council last month.

John Reilly, head teacher at the Academy, said: "This is the start of the next chapter in the story of Gloucester Academy – we are delighted that work has commenced and that Kier has engaged with the pupils right from the start.

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'They have also sent a newsletter to residents. We will have a new school that our pupils, staff and community can be proud of."

Two members of Kier staff, project manager Paul Fowles and health & safety advisor Denis Lawler, have addressed all the pupils at Gloucester Academy in assemblies and have spoken with the pupils about how the project will develop.

Kier Construction regional managing director, Robin Butler, said: "We are excited to at last start work on the project. The pupils will be able to watch the new school grow over the next year and Paul Fowles and his team will be keen to maintain good relationships with all our neighbours around the site."

The project is due for completion in August 2013 and will be open a month later.

(CD/GK)