CLLR Derek Bateman has confirmed that a £25m academy is planned for land at the back of the Hub Youth Centre in Ellesmere Port.
The Labour leader revealed proposals for the council-owned site off Sutton Way could be unveiled by the end of the year, and includes a sports facility on a small piece of land acquired next to West Cheshire College.
He says the youth centre building and sports hall would not be affected by the plan, but ‘alternative arrangements’ would be made for the loss of outside facilities.
A central academy site, which will bring together the North Campus in Woodchurch Lane and the South Campus in Stanney Lane, was originally earmarked for a big piece of land next to the college.
However, according to Cllr Bateman, and Labour group deputy leader Cllr Pat Merrick, Cheshire West and Chester Council was unable to strike a deal with the landowner, who the pair claim was asking for three times more than what they had paid.
They added: “The owner refused to negotiate a new price. We suggested using the field on the other side of Sutton way to the council officers. This is already in the ownership of the council.”
During his visit to the two academy campuses last week, Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Schools, was taken down to see the land off Sutton Way, as well as being given a glimpse of the plans.
It is hoped the new central academy site will be ready in time for the 21012 academic year.
