WORK is back under way on building the new free school on Woolston – six months after the previous building firm went out of business.

Construction of the new King's Leadership Academy building stopped in March after the contractor went into administration.

As reported previously in the Warrington Guardian, it was the latest blow for the school after it was forced into a planning battle with the council to build on the land at Hillock Lane.

Now Conlon Construction has been appointed to complete the scheme with classrooms set to be ready by June.

The project was awarded as part of the Education Funding Agency (EFA) Regional Contractors Framework and will see the Preston-based contractor build a 6,800 sqm state-of-the-art facility .

Designed by Pozzoni Architecture, the ‘finger block’ facility features a central glazed atrium to maximise natural light into the 50 classrooms.

Shane Ierston, principal at King’s Leadership Academy, said: “I am delighted that the project is back on track and that Conlon Construction have made massive strides in a relatively short period of time, with the build rapidly approaching completion.

“After visiting the site, I was very impressed by the quality of workmanship and the professionalism of the new team and we look forward to moving in during the summer term of 2016.”

The development also includes a double height colonnade, feature entrance, sports hall, MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) pitch, gym and fitness studio.

The school will accommodate 840 secondary and sixth form pupils and the project is scheduled for completion in June.

Michael Conlon, chairman at Conlon Construction, said: “We are pleased that work on this project, which was sadly delayed following the unfortunate demise of the previous contractor, is now under way.

“We have substantial experience in the education sector and understand the importance of work being completed on time.

"We want to do our best for the people of Warrington and will deliver this project to the highest standards.”