A Kirklees school has signed the contract for its demolition and rebuilding.

The scheme to rebuild Whitcliffe Mount, along with six other schools in the Yorkshire region, has received final approval and work will begin on site within a matter of weeks.

The move is the final nail in the coffin for campaigners who were hoping to stop the closure of the adjacent sports centre.

Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in Cleckheaton which is earmarked for demolition in 2016.

The new school is being built on the site and the centre is set to close on May 20.

The new facility, set to open in September 2017, comes after a scheme to rebuild it in 2010 was scrapped by the government.

Headteacher, Jennifer Templar, said: “For far too long now, our students ambition has been stifled by an ageing physical environment and outdated facilities.

“Now, with a new building rapidly taking shape, we can look forward to an exciting new dawn in an environment built specifically to support the needs, dreams and aspirations of all our students for years to come.”

Whitcliffe Mount School contract signed for new build by chair of governors, Sue Rombald.

The school’s Chair of Governors, Sue Rumbold, said: “New, vibrant premises will mark the start of a new era for education at Whitcliffe Mount.

“Since our doors first opened in 1910, the school’s ambition has never wavered from the founders’ original vision to offer a high quality local education for the benefit of young people across Cleckheaton and the surrounding areas.

“Today, nearly 106 years later, the quality of experience students continue to enjoy at Whitcliffe Mount is testament to their vision.

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“Now, as the school continues on its journey from good to great, there is no doubt that a modern, aspirational learning environment will go a long way to securing the future of that legacy for generations to come.”

The new development comprises a three-storey main teaching block and a separate single-storey sports block.

The teaching block will include, among other things, specialist facilities for science, engineering, performance and creative arts while the sports block hosts a four-court sports hall, fitness suite and an activity studio as well as direct access to the schools extensive outdoor sports pitches.