Pupils from Wythenshawe primary schools will take centre stage at the new Manchester Health Academy this week when they take part in a bolt tightening ceremony.

Work started on the site of the new £19m Academy several months ago, and today a significant construction milestone will be marked when pupils join Academy sponsors (Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College) to take part in a traditional bolt tightening.

The Academy, which will be based in Brooklands, is one of seven across the city and will provide 600 places for 11-16 year olds and post 16 provision for 120 students available from September 2010.

It will initially open in Brookway High School and Sports College this September for its first year, before moving to a brand new building on the same site in September 2010. The existing sports hall and community sports facilities will be retained.

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Part of the complex will be home to a stunning new community library which will open during the day, evenings and on Saturdays offering a homework club, serving not only the academy students, but also local primary school pupils.

It will also host regular reading groups, author visits and other free events for the community and will have an access point to wider council services such as benefits, health and employment advice.

Work at the 5,990 sq metre site has already had a positive impact on the surrounding community with surplus topsoil being supplied to Wythenshawe Town Community Football Club and Brooklands Estate Allotments.

And more than 96% of the waste currently generated at the site has been recovered and recycled.

Principal Designate, Barry Burke, said: "We are all absolutely thrilled at the progress of the new Academy building. It is going to be a fabulous resource for students, staff and the community and will offer state of the art facilities where everyone will be provided with the opportunities to succeed."

The Academy is supported by the Manchester United Foundation, which will work with students to develop and promote healthy living through sport and the association with Manchester United, its players and philosophy.

(CD/JM)