MULTI-MILLION pound plans for a new Keighley school went on public show this week.

A consultation event was held at Oakbank to gauge people's opinions on the sweeping proposals to replace the current, ageing secondary school building.

The scheme was outlined and visitors had the chance to speak to members of the project team.

Work is due to start late next year on the new £16 million structure, which will be built at the site of the existing school in Oakworth Road.

State-of-the-art facilities in the new building – which is scheduled to be ready for occupation in September, 2017 – will include improved ITC and sports provision.

"We are very excited about the project ," headteacher David Maxwell said this week.

"We feel it provides the best option for us moving forward.

"The current building is in relatively good condition, but is tired.

"The aim is to provide a modern and welcoming learning environment in a high quality and distinctive setting which will engage parents, teachers, students and the wider community.

"It will be a completely new building and there will be no interruption to the pupils' education – we will remain where we are until the new school is ready and then do a straight move.

"The consultation event was a chance for people to give their views, which we really want to hear."

Part of the current structure, which caters for 1,650 students, is Victorian, but the main section dates from the early 1960s.

Once it is vacated, the building will be demolished to make way for a sports field.

"We are really keen to ensure the sports facilities we have in school are to a very high standard as these will not only be used by students at Oakbank but will be utilised by local primary schools and the community in Keighley," added Mr Maxwell.

He pays tribute to the Education Funding Agency and construction company Laing O'Rourke, which will carry out the work, for their "invaluable" support with the initiative.

The scheme was approved through the government’s Priority School Building Programme.

Anyone who was unable to attend Tuesday's consultation session but would like to give their opinions on the proposals should e-mail lor.yorkshire.schools@laingorourke.com.