AN academy for over 700 secondary school pupils in the city centre, including a new sports hall for community use, has been given the go ahead by Bradford Council.

The Dixons academy chain was granted permission to expand its McMillan Academy into a former Bradford College building on Trinity Road, and aims to have the building ready for students early next year.

By 2020, when the school has reached its full capacity, it will have 720 pupils.

The building was used by the college until last September, when the newly built David Hockney Building was opened and many students and departments transferred over. It has since been sold on to the academy chain.

Wesley Davies, head teacher at the school, has said the building was the "ideal location."

MORE EDUCATION HEADLINES

The planning application was for the demolition of the McMillan Building's west wing, a new sports hall in its place, the construction of a new entrance way, refurbished interior and landscaping around the building. The school will also develop a a "heart space" that will be used for registration, large group teaching and exhibitions.

Dixons McMillain opened to year 7 pupils in September, and lessons are held at the neighbouring Dixons Trinity Academy building. The school will gradually build up its numbers until all its year groups are filled in five years' time.

Up to 70 jobs will be created with the expansion of the school, and its new sports hall will be opened up for use by the wider community.

The council's Highways Department had initially objected to the proposals because of concerns over parking and increased traffic. To overcome this, Dixons' application added plans for new traffic orders on Laisteridge Lane, with that road's speed limit being reduced from 30mph to 20mph, as well as an extension of the one way section of Trinity Road. There will also be electric car charging points in the car park.

Mr Davies said: "I am delighted that the building has received approval from the planning department.

"Students and parents are also pleased that the permanent place of learning for Dixons McMillan students will be on Trinity Road. It is an ideal site for a school that attracts students from across the city. The location will also allow strong educational links to be made with Bradford University, Bradford College and the other Dixons schools. We are expecting the building project to be fully completed by the start of 2016. The project will leave students and staff with a modern environment for them to work and learn."

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive for Children's Services on the council, said: "This is a much needed school for the city, and I expect it will be very popular. We're very supportive of this."