One of Manchester's new academies has taken a step closer to opening with the registration of the planning application.

Due to open in September 2010, Manchester Communication Academy in Harpurhey will be a brand new state of the art building and will provide 1200 places for 11 - 16 year olds and post 16 provision.

The planning application for the academy has been registered and is likely to go before the planning committee in either January or February 2009.

A series of consultation events took place in September and October of this year allowing residents to see the initial academy plans and ask any questions they might have about the proposal.

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Now residents nearest the proposed site will have a further opportunity to share their views during a three week postal consultation.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children's Services, Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester Communication Academy promises to be a truly stunning place for young people to learn, teachers to teach and the community as a whole to benefit. It will be a brand new purpose built building that will enable students to learn about the world of work and develop into motivated, confident, skilled individuals that actively contribute to their communities and Manchester as a whole."

If planning is approved early next year, building work is due to start on the £30m project on vacant land to the corner of Rochdale Road/Queens Road and Lathbury Avenue/ Monsall Street in March/April 2009.

(CD/JM)