THIS artist’s impression gives the first glimpse of the new £16.1m Accrington Academy.

The extension and improvements to existing buildings in Queen’s Road West will provide a with a brand-new 250 place sixth form at the school.

Work is due to start in March 2009 on the 2,800-square metre extension which will provide a bold new frontage, along with roofing over of two existing courtyards.

New sports pitches and hard play areas built to Sport England guidelines are also being provided, together with major landscaping improvements.

The new sports facilities will also incude a fitness suite, activity studio and improved changing rooms.

New training suites for media studies, health and social care as well as a new assembly hall, larger drama facilities and an improved dining space are also planned.

Martyn Baker, at the United Learning Trust, which runs the school, said: "The design proposals are both exciting and creative and I have no doubt they will make a major contribution to the enhancement of children's education in the area."

County Coun Vali Patel, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “This planned development will give Accrington Academy a bold new look to take it into the future. Our aim is to make Accrington a better educated, healthier and more prosperous place.”

Architect Capita Symonds has submitted a full planning application for the project which will be managed by the East Lancashire Local Education Partnership (LEP).

The partnership, which includes Lancashire County Council, Catalyst Lend Lease, Capita Symonds and Redstone Communications, was formed in 2006 to develop Lancashire’s £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme.

When the work is complete the academy - which specialises in sport and maths - will be able to accommodate up to 900 high-school age students as well as a brand new 250-place sixth form.

The academy opened in September, taking over from Moorhead.