A £1.5 MILLION academy for construction excellence may be built on the site of a former Breightmet church.

Proposals have been submitted to Bolton's planning chiefs to build a centre where youngsters from across the borough and members of the community will be able to learn construction skills.

The academy will be built on two sites. The first building will be built on the former site of St Andrew's RC Church, in Newby Road, and should be open by September.

A second centre will be developed on land next to Withins School at a later date.

The two storey building at the old church site will comprise classrooms, workshops and demonstration areas. Students will be able to learn anything connected with the industry, such as brick-laying, surveying and plastering.

Bolton's director of education and culture Margaret Blenkinsop said: "The academy will extend the curriculum offered to pupils at Key Stage 3 and 4. It's going to offer opportunities to Withins School, and people in the community.

"We are hoping to offer opportunities to pupils across the borough. It will be a particular advantage to Withins School because it will be next to it."

Full time courses will be available to adults who want to learn new skills in construction.

The academy is part of a massive overhaul of the entire Withins School site -- which will see the site transformed into a massive community centre of learning and leisure facilities.

The project is being run through a partnership of East Bolton Regeneration, Bolton Council, and Bolton Community College.

Firwood Special School is to be co-located at the site, and discussions have been taking place to put a primary school within the grounds.

A leisure centre is already based at the site. Mrs Blenkinsop said: "It's going to be a real hub of activity."