A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to rebuild Winterbourne International Academy.

BAM Construct UK has been selected to build the new £19million academy, working with international architects Scott Brownrigg.

The move is a huge step forward for the scheme, which is one of the largest school building projects in the country, with construction due to get underway in August.

Dr Rob Gibson, chief executive principal of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies which also includes Yate International Academy, said the whole academy was excited about the scheme.

"This is one of the biggest academy building projects in the country," he said. "And we are all very excited by the plans for the new building.

"We are creating an academy in which students feel inspired. The new facilities will have an extremely positive impact on teaching and learning and will benefit the whole community."

He said the new buildings had been designed to create a modern, inspirational learning space for students and staff.

The designs retain the current arts hall and technology laboratories, pulling them into the main building, but will see the removal of all current buildings replacing them with one large development which will incorporate flexible learning and teaching spaces. There will be a new music department, a new technology and multi-material facility, a dedicated sixth form area and numerous breakout and social areas.

An open, naturally lit core will rise through the centre of the building, linking the academy’s teaching to its central ethos of internationalism. Two large halls will seat 300 students each, and conference facilities will allow international link ups with other institutions.

Learning areas will be located on single floors rather than split levels, making the academy easier to negotiate for students and staff. Flexible spaces will enhance the potential of the building for community use.

The academy’s entrance will stay in the same location, although car parking will be located to a new, larger space at the front, giving better parking and access.

The new building will be no higher than those currently on the site.

The original buildings at the academy, which was known as The Ridings’ High School until it became part of a Pathfinder academy scheme with Yate in 2009, are more than 50 years old. The school was prioritised under the government’s school rebuilding process because of its academy status.

The project is due to be completed in December 2014.