Construction work is getting underway at the site of the new state-of-the-art Oasis Academy Enfield.

The multi-million pound development, based on Innova Business Park, Enfield, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2008 although Oasis Academy Enfield will open this September, with the first 180 young people to study at the new school beginning their learning in high-specification temporary classrooms.

Erection of the new steel-frame building will begin in May, and this initial phase of the work is scheduled for completion on September 2007. Once completed, the academy will be a fully-equipped school with state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

In the meantime, the temporary accommodation will include seven classrooms - one for each teaching group, a science laboratory, a resource centre with a library and state-of-the-art ICT suite, an art and technology room, a gym, a large performing arts space, and music practice rooms.

The Principal-designate of the new school, John Walton, said: "We are very excited at the prospect of watching our school grow day by day. When our first cohort of 180 Year 7 students join us this September, they will be able to see the shape of their new school with the steel frame in place.

The non-teaching areas include all the necessary office and storage space, as well as a dining room and kitchen. The meals at the Oasis academy will be a change from the more familiar canteen food, offering instead fresh, organic and healthy food.

"We are grateful for the faith the 180 families have shown in us, and look forward to delivering a first-class education in a 21st-century building."

Steve Chalke MBE, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, which is sponsoring the Academy, added: "These new buildings will provide a superb learning environment for students, as well as an excellent facility for local people.

"The young people joining us in 2007 will also be taught in first-class facilities while they watch their school grow and develop in front of their eyes."

Local residents will be able to keep up-to-date with the latest information about the developments on the Academy website: www.oasisacademyenfield.org, as well as via regular newsletters from Principal designate John Walton. To add your name to the newsletter distribution list contact Heather Ridout on 0207 261 4653 or heather.ridout@oasisuk.org

Any local residents requiring further information on the development can contact the contractors Kier London on 0208 508 5622, or visit the office on-site.