Plans for the Shoreham Academy buildings, in Kingston Lane, Shoreham, have been unaffected by the latest round of government cuts.

Contractors are due to start clearing land for the new three-storey building today (Monday, July 26).

Because the new school is being built on the current playing fields, contractors will also create an alternative outside area in Middle Road, to be used during the building work.

Principal Heidi Brown said: "We are extremely excited that the start date is looming.

"The initial works, starting during the holidays, will be to create a safe and secure alternative playing area on Middle Road, and to compound the main building site on our existing back field.

"When we return in September, the building will begin in earnest and the community will be able to follow the progress via our website.

"The community fully deserves the state-of-the-art educational and sporting facilities that will be ready by 2012."

The new building, made up of three arms round a central atrium, will cater for 1,600 students.

There will be an amphitheatre, theatre block, sports hall and fitness suite, dance studio, sports pitch, as well as communal areas.

Peter Griffiths, West Sussex County Council member for education and schools, said: "It is an exciting development and I am sure the students will enjoy it immensely for generations to come."

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