Residents invited to comment on new academy plans

Manchester City Council is inviting Blackley residents to share their views about an innovative new secondary school that will replace Plant Hill Arts College.

As part of Manchester's Academies and Building Schools for the Future programme, proposals have been developed for six new academies across the city.

One of these new academies will be called The Co-operative Academy of Manchester and will be a partnership between Manchester City Council, The Co-operative Group and MANCAT.

Building work is due to start on the site of the existing Plant Hill Arts College in January 2009.

Residents are invited to view plans for the new building and talk to representatives of the design team, council and Co-operative Group over the next two weeks at a series of drop in events.

The following events will all take place at Plant Hill High Arts College on Plant Hill Road: -

Mon July 7th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm

Tues July 8th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm

Wed July 9th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm

Thurs July 10th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm

Fri July 11th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm

The second week of events will all take place at Higher Blackley Community Centre on Victoria Avenue: -

Mon July 14th from 2pm to 4pm

Tues July 15th from 4pm to 8pm

Wed July 16th from 2pm to 4pm

Thurs July 17th from 2pm to 4pm

Members of the design team, city council and Co-operative Group will be available on Tuesday, July 8th from 2.15pm to 6.30pm and on Tuesday July 15th from 4pm to 8pm.

The new academy will forge partnerships with education and business and will provide opportunities for both pupils and the residents of Higher Blackley and beyond.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Maggie Doyle, Press Office, tel: 0161 234 4610.