Work to begin on new academy

The construction of the new £17.6 million St Anne’s Academy will begin in January following the signing of a contract between Rochdale Council and developers Willmott Dixon.

The new Academy will be built on Hollin Lane, Middleton and accommodate a total of 900 pupils. The building work will include the creation of new buildings as well as refurbishment of some existing ones. State-of-the-art IT equipment will also be provided.

Set to open in 2010, the school will have 750 places available for 11-16 year olds with the final 150 being dedicated to further education.

The academy is part of Building Schools for the Future, a programme which hopes to transform secondary education in the Rochdale area.

Acting Council Leader Irene Davidson said: “Rochdale Borough Council is committed to education and this project is another example of our intention to provide first class facilities for the future.”