Future looks bright for school revamp

Bright walls and walkways and modern, mezzanine floors – this is the vision for the future of the £22.5million transformation of Shelfield Academy.

Images of plans for the secondary school have been released as it emerged a contractor was appointed for the long-awaited revamp. Kier Education beat competition from Wilmott Dixon Construction to win the contract last week. Almost all of the academy will be rebuilt, with sports facilities including an astro-turf pitch, grandstand and climbing wall.

There will also be modern, open plan classrooms and meeting areas.

Academy spokeswoman Caroline Bletso said the firm had worked closely with Walsall Council, Walsall Children's Services, Shelfield Community Academy and its sponsor, Ormiston Trust, to come up with the design.

Millions will be pumped into the upgrade project at its Broad Way site in Pelsall. It currently teaches 1,354 pupils, a figure to remain largely the same under the plans. The building work is set to start over the summer, with an estimated completion date of October 2012.

Academy Principal Bernard Dickenson said: "Both of the designs were fantastic, and we are delighted to be working with Kier Education.

"They've worked hard to reflect the academy's vision by giving students and staff an inspiring place to work.

"Choosing the contractor is the first stage of a very exciting process."

Cabinet member for children's services, Councillor Rachel Walker, said: "This is an important milestone in our plans for investing in Walsall schools and in creating world class learning environments in which our young people can learn and succeed - and developing community buildings we can be proud to use.

"We look forward to working closely with Kier Education on this major construction project and moving towards the next phase of development and consultation."

A wireless network is also planned to be a major part of the project.