New images of Bulwell Academy released

IMAGES showing the inside of the new multi-million-pound Bulwell Academy building have been revealed.

It is being built behind the River Leen Comprehensive School, in Hucknall Lane.

The academy is expected to be completed by September 2010 – a year later than originally planned.

The inside of the £26m centre is designed to be bright and modern.

Classrooms will be spacious and there will be an indoor theatre.

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The academy will specialise in business and enterprise, and the building includes a dedicated hub with training room and wi-fi access.

Businesses can use the centre – if they agree to share their knowledge with students.

The old River Leen school will be knocked down after the new building is complete and replaced by tennis courts.

Principal-designate Graham Roberts said: "This project has got to be about creating a real legacy for this community.

"We want to provide an outstanding quality of education for young people here.

"We are going to demonstrate there are many paths to success. Aspirations and expectations will be raised."

The new academy will replace River Leen and Bulwell's other comprehensive school, Henry Mellish.

It will open under the new name this September, initially on the two old sites.

Mr Roberts said pupils should notice a marked difference when they move to the new building. He said they had put up with outdated facilities for years.

"That's about to change and that's what makes this more exciting," he said.

"I want this academy to be a place that everyone wants to be connected with.

"I've been through too many years of people telling me that the people of Bulwell cannot achieve. Yes, they can."

Mr Roberts said the delays to the new building would not have an affect on the education of pupils.

He said changes at the existing sites would see them benefit from new standards.

"We are determined that we will hit the ground running [in September 2009] and make this a success from day one," he said.

Business and enterprise director Alison Bingham said a new curriculum at the academy would make students much more employable. Bosses will be invited to share their stories and do two days a week practical learning.

"Many employers would like to see potential employees with vocational qualifications, as well as academic ones," she said.

marcus.boocock@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk