The future looks bright

ARTIST’S impression... how the new Waterhead Academy will look

New academy reaches deal with builders

PLANS for the new Waterhead Academy have reached a significant milestone after a deal with contractors was signed.

Oldham Council has struck a formal agreement with Hollinwood-based Willmott Dixon to deliver the ambitious scheme.

The Waterhead Academy, sponsored by The Oldham College, will be built on the site of the former Orb Mill, off Huddersfield Road, and is set to open in November, 2012.

The iconic new building will replace the current Waterhead Academy which comprises the Roxbury Campus and Moorside Campus (formerly Counthill and Breeze Hill schools).

The four-storey academy will boast two wings with a terrace on the roof of the sports hall. The interior will have two courtyard areas and state-of-the-art teaching facilities, plus a community room holding classes for local residents.

The plans also comprise indoor and outdoor sporting provision available to all the local community – including a fitness and activity studio, floodlit artificial 3G pitch, games area and hard surface areas for football, netball and tennis. There will also be additional sports facilities at the current Moorside Campus site.

Councillor Jack Hulme said: “We are absolutely delighted to sign with Willmott Dixon. From the outset our vision has been to provide inspiring buildings that will deliver the very best in secondary education. It is extremely positive news.”

Oldham College principal Alun Francis said: “This represents a crucial step forward.”

It’s one of three proposed new Academies for Oldham which Willmott Dixon was selected to build last March.

Plans for the new Oldham Academy North on the current site of Our Lady’s, Royton, replacing Grange School are proceeding.