Sports facilities in Whitehaven are in line for a major boost.
The Whitehaven Academy has revealed plans to install new outdoor facilities to promote a host of sporting activities.
Permission is being sought for two full-size artificial pitches to cater for a range of sports including rugby, football, hockey and netball. In addition, there would be three tennis courts, a sprint track and a standing area for spectators.
A planning application is expected to be made before the end of the year with a potential opening in September 2022. If successful, the school would be looking to work with local clubs for community usage.
The academy, its 560 students and staff are set to move into a new building on its current site in the spring.
The new build, which includes 21 classrooms, seven science labs, two art studios and three design and technology rooms, also has a sports hall with dance and drama studios.
Headteacher Nigel Youngman said: “Alongside our new indoor sports hall, the new all-weather pitches would be a massive step forward in what we can offer students and the community.
“There is already a great buzz in school about the prospect of our move into a spacious, modern and fresh building next year. The prospect of being able to upgrade our outdoor sports facilities is the icing on the cake.”
This month staff at the academy have been able to welcome prospective parents and their children into the school for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Tours have been taking place ahead of the closing date for 2022 secondary school applications on October 31.
Groups of current students have also had chance to inspect the new classrooms under construction.
The academy is part of Cumbria Education Trust which is now responsible for 11 academies, including secondaries William Howard School in Brampton and Workington Academy. Whitehaven and Workington formed the West Coast Sixth Form in 2020.
