AN EMPTY building in Bradford city centre will soon be transformed into a secondary academy for more than 700 pupils.

The McMillan Building in Trinity Road was used by Bradford College until this summer, when students transferred to the new David Hockney Building.

Now ambitious plans have been revealed by the Dixons Academy chain to transform the building into the Dixons McMillan Academy which will eventually have 720 pupils by the time it reaches its full capacity in 2020.

The school actually opened in September, accepting its first year seven pupils and using space at the neighbouring Dixons Trinity Academy. When the school was registered it was with the understanding that new facilities would be built shortly after the September opening.

A planning application has now been submitted to Bradford Council that, if approved, will see the McMillan Building's west wing demolished with a sports hall built in its place. There will also be a new entrance way, refurbished interior and landscaping around the building. The plans also include a "heart space" that will be used for registration, large group teaching and exhibitions.

The planning application states: "The schools overarching aim is to maximise high student achievement, value diversity and focus on positivity, excellence and respect."

The current year seven group contains pupils from more than 40 primary schools across the city.

The application also says the new school will create about 70 jobs, 56 of which are full time.

If approved, work to convert the building would be completed next year. The Council will decide on the application in February.

Earlier this year, Dixons Trinity Academy became the first school of its type in the country to get an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive for children's services on Bradford Council, said the school would help relieve pressure on school places in the city, adding: "I wish Dixons well with this school, we urgently need these places."

Cllr Debbie Davies, the Conservative group spokesman for education, said: "Dixons has been very successful with its other schools and I'm sure this school will be brilliant too."

The chain is also preparing to take over Kings Science Academy in Lidget Green. In January the school will become Dixons Kings Academy.

Wesley Davies, head teacher at Dixons Academy, said: "My vision is to create a learning environment where our students develop a 'growth mindset', the skills needed for employability and to form strong professional relationships.

"The empty McMillan building is an ideal location for Dixons McMillan.

"It is close to the city centre allowing easy access to transport links and partnerships can be developed with other local educational institutions.

"The plans are to create a modern learning environment through reducing the floor space of the existing structure and adding some areas of new build.

"It is a very exciting time for the young people at Dixons McMillan to see their permanent place of learning become a reality."

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