NEW pictures have revealed the first insight into a new £20m school for Winsford.

Plans for the new Winsford E-Act Academy have put creative arts at the forefront of the design with a state-of-the-art theatre and glass fronted studios as some of its more impressive features.

The design has also been based around the concept of a ‘community’ with the central corridor acting as a ‘street’ with classrooms on either side.

A huge sports hall will sit at the front of the building and all academic subjects will be taught in classrooms over three floors at the back.

Principal, Andrew Taylor-Edwards said the plans will create a 21st century school to serve 1,700 pupils.

He added: “The environment we want to create will provide somewhere special to come to school and a sense of pride amongst pupils.

“As you walk in through the main entrance you will have this building that spans the length of a street.

“Some of the rooms will be glass fronted so as you walk down the ‘street’ you will see all the activities going on in the classrooms and feel a real sense of community.”

Open space, balconies, and a cafe culture canteen will give the academy a modern edge while practical workshops, music rooms, dance studios and a 300-seat theatre will highlight its commitment to teaching creative arts.

Mr Taylor-Edwards added: “If we can make good progress now in this building then we can only accelerate that in the new one.”

The project was given the go-ahead after a £20m cash boost from the Government in December 2010. The academy officially entered the formal planning process last month and will go before planning chiefs in February or March.

If the plans are approved construction work will start in the spring.