Construction is now fully under way on the new £20m Winsford E-ACT Academy in Cheshire and a bolt tightening ceremony to mark completion of the first steelwork section of the development.

Pupils and teachers joined the Kier Construction site team and representatives of sponsors E-ACT to celebrate the occasion, together with guests including local councillors and the town mayor.

The new academy building will accommodate up to 1,700 pupils and will feature top of the range facilities including a 400-seat theatre, design studios, music rooms, a fitness suite and a five-court sports hall.

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The interior comprises a central corridor area with glass-fronted classrooms on either side. Open spaces, balconies and a 'cafe culture' canteen will also feature. The academy’s innovative approach to outdoor learning sees a garden, allotments and full reconstruction of World War trenches all part of the design.

The new academy will benefit the wider community too, with many of its facilities including the theatre, sports hall and fitness suite open for the local public to use.

The Government-funded project, which is a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council, the academy and sponsors E-ACT, is set to open in September 2013.

(CD/GK)