THIS is how a new academy for 14 to 19-year-olds on the site of the old Dunkirk Fire Station could look.
The Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology would be home for 860 students aged between 14 and 19.
It would be built on the fire station site, which has been vacant since it closed down more than four years ago.
The plans went on display to the public at a consultation event at the Dunkirk and Lenton Community Centre yesterday.
Images of how the academy could look from several different angles were on show.
Bosses at the newly-created Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology Trust were keen to point out that some changes could be made before planning permission is officially requested.
They hope that it will open in September next year.
Gordon Anderson, chairman of the trust, said: "We have selected the contractor who will do the work and should be putting in for planning permission shortly."
The fire station closed down in January 2009 with crews moving to a new base at Highfields Fire Station, Beeston.
The old building has since been demolished and the trust - co-run by the University of Nottingham and the Djanogly Learning Trust - bought it for £2 million. It has been unable to say how much the new building would cost.
The new academy would initially open for pupils in years 10 and 12, aged 14 to 16.
As those first pupils get older they will move up in the year groups and it is hoped it will cater for 860 students aged 14 to 19 by 2017.
Pupils aged 14 to 16 would study core academic subjects like English and maths to GCSE level, as well as vocational qualifications in engineering, information technology and science.
Those aged 16 and over would do A-levels as well as vocational and professional qualifications – and have the chance to do placements with local firms.
Applications would be accepted by anyone who lives within 25 miles.
People looking at the plans yesterday were generally impressed.
Glenys Randle said: "It looks really good. The site has had nothing there for a number of years.
"The building is not too high and fits in well with the area,"
Sheila Porterfield said: "I'm impressed in principle. We've previously been told there may be eight-storey student flats there."
However Mrs Porterfield did have some reservations as her home backs onto a proposed games area on the site.
She added: "There may be noise issues and I'm also worried if there will be floodlights."
The academy would be backed by major employers, including Toshiba, Alliance Boots, Siemens, Experian, Rolls Royce and BT. They will work on the curriculum.