ISG has secured a £10 million contract to redevelop a former leisure centre into a new free school in Leeds.

It is understood the former East Leeds Leisure Centre site will become a new home for the Temple Learning Academy.

The contract was awarded as part of the EFA Framework.

The project involves re-using as much of the existing infrastructure from the former leisure centre as possible, with ISG demolishing the swimming pool but retaining the steel frame building.

In addition, the firm will re-use the existing sports hall facility while the internal layout of the leisure centre will be reconfigured to create modern teaching accommodation.

ISG will also install additional windows in the structure, retaining and repairing the buildings façade.

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A new three-storey steel frame extension for older students will also be built. Facilities will include SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision, a learning resource centre (LRC), a kitchen, a dining area and sports facilities.

A MUGA pitch will be developed with significant hard/soft landscaping in addition to new paths and play areas, a car park for 90 cars and designated drop off areas.

Once the main building has been handed over, reception classes currently housed in the converted office accommodation will be moved across, enabling ISG to carry out a further 17-week refurbishment programme to fit out the vacated classrooms as art rooms, music rooms and design & technology studios.

Work on the project is due to begin in February 2016.

Danny Murray, ISG's Northern regional MD, said: "This latest win builds on our strong track record delivering innovative Free Schools and Academies across the UK. For this scheme, we’ve worked closely with the EFA and the Academy to best utilise the existing structures on site to create real efficiencies in the construction programme, without compromising on the quality and flexibility of teaching space."

(LM/MH)