Picture above: An indicative artist's impression Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthew Academy in Blurton

Construction work is starting on the new £19m Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, in Blurton, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Stoke-on-Trent's educational facilities.

The project will see Wates Construction build a new 1200-capacity school on the site of the existing Academy on Beaconsfield Drive, which will remain operational during construction.

The project is one of 18 school projects that will benefit from new and improved facilities as part of the city's BSF program.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The city council is transforming Stoke-on-Trent's educational facilities to provide 21st century sites for our city's young people. The project is the biggest improvement to education facilities in decades and the start of work on the Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy is a major step forward."

Wates Construction was appointed to part-deliver the BSF programme through a joint venture with Thomas Vale.

Completion of the Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy is expected at the end of 2012 with the new school opening planned for January 2013. Once occupied, the existing buildings are to be demolished and replaced with an extensive landscape works, which will be completed at the end of August 2013.

The Academy has been designed by Associated Architects with landscaping handled by BEA Landscape Design.

Phil Harrison, Managing Director of Wates Construction in the Midlands and North, commented: "Against a UK backdrop of reduced funding, it is extremely rewarding to be involved in a Building Schools for the Future programme that will contribute to improved and enhanced learning experiences for young people. The educational landscape of Stoke-on-Trent is undergoing a substantial transformation and it is a real privilege to be part of that. I'm delighted to commence our joint venture with this multi-million pound Academy project. We've got an excellent team in place and now is the time for the hard work of building to begin." 

Councillor Debra Gratton, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for children's services, said: "The Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy will be a first class learning facility for the city's students. It is one of five purpose built academies being created across the city as part of multi-million pound transformational works to education sites. It is an exciting time as the work to transform the city's education facilities comes to fruition."