Step closer for Maltby Academy

Rotherham Council has unveiled a timetable for the plans, which reveal that all building and site work will be completed by December 2013.

The Dinnington Guardian revealed in January that the academy had sealed the £11.1 million capital investment, just months after the change in Government threw funding into doubt.

Officials at the council have produced an outline of the procurement process which will go before members next week.

In the next few months developers will be invited to tender for the project.

Within 28 weeks it is hoped that a contractor will be chosen and planning permission secured.

It is estimated that building work will finish on site in August 2013, and site works completed in December the same year.

According to the report: “Through this project the local authority and the academy should continue to deliver improved and excellent standards for our children and young people through the learning community partnerships.”

The academy and council are currently working on a feasibility study for the scheme.

The academy’s ambition for the development is to create a range of “exciting learning spaces” that will both engage and motivate its students.

When funding was announced principal David Sutton said the money will allow the academy to enhance the specialist facilities across a number of key learning areas through a combination of new build and remodelling of existing buildings.

He added: “This building development is long overdue for the young people of Maltby and will allow them to access facilities that are fit for purpose and conducive to learning in the 21st century.”

“It is hoped that this latest investment and subsequent building programme will further raise aspirations across the learning community and lead to even higher standards of achievement.”

The initial thinking at the academy was that there would be a number of zones dedicated to different subjects such as enterprise, sport and performing arts.

They also want to create high quality outdoor spaces.

Since funding was announced there has been consultation with parents and members of the local community.