Sheppard Robson’s Bolton academy wins approval

Sheppard Robson’s design for the £35m St Catherine’s Academy and Firwood School in Bolton has received planning permission.

Working with contractor Kier, The Manchester architect was appointed to design the 181,000 sq ft academy, following its proposals for Bolton’s Essa Academy, the first in Bolton’s academies scheme.

James Jones, design director at Sheppard Robson, said: “Situated on a dramatic sloping site, the design for Bolton St Catherine’s Academy and Firwood School provides an inclusive learning environment for primary, secondary, post-16 and special needs students, and creates a new focus and resource for the local community.”

The Academy, due to complete in 2012, will provide places for 1160 students, and is sponsored by Crossland Academies and the Church of England.

Planners said the proposal would make a, “valuable contribution to the continuing planned improvement to the borough’s education and shared community facilities and will provide a modern facility for the 21st century.”