A NEW £23 million Keighley school is taking shape.

Work is already virtually complete on constructing the ground floor of the Beckfoot Oakbank building.

And the whole three-storey framework is expected to be in place by Christmas.

The new school is being built on the former astroturf area in the grounds of the existing complex, in Oakworth Road.

Preparatory measures such as surveying were carried out in the spring and work proper got underway in July.

"It's been amazing to watch the progress ," said headteacher, David Maxwell.

"It is absolutely phenomenal to see how quickly the structure is going up. The ground floor was constructed within about three weeks.

"The students can see the progress and are really excited.

"Everything is on schedule. The 'super structure' will be finished by Christmas in readiness for fitting out and there will be a brand new recreation building alongside."

The state-of-the-art complex is due to open at Easter, 2018.

The initiative was approved as part of the Government's Priority Schools Building Programme, which uses private funding.

Mr Maxwell added: "The new facilities will be wonderful – not just for the school, but for the whole community.

"A new astroturf is already in place, on the old tennis courts.

"And with our new academy status, these are very exciting times for the school."

The 1,600-or-so pupils are continuing to be taught in the existing buildings while construction work is carried out and will move in once complete.

The venture was beset with controversy after it was first unveiled.

Early last year, more than 100 people objected to the plans amid fears the work could force Airedale Hockey Club to fold because the pitches it uses would be out of action during the building work.

And then an application was anonymously submitted to Historic England for Haggas House, the oldest part of the existing school, to be granted listed building status.

The house, along with the rest of the school's current buildings, is due to be demolished once the new complex is complete.

Developers hastily submitted revised plans, retaining the house, which were approved.

But a Government minister went against Historic England advice and rejected the listing bid.