DARWEN’S newest school is now complete after the last section of the building was handed over by builders.

Teaching will start in the new area of Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio when it reopens in January.

Bosses at the school, which opened last September in part of Darwen Academy in Sudell Road, relocated to the former Model Lodging House in Police Street at the start of this school year.

Renovations on the old part of the building were completed in time for September, but the extension at the back of the £4.1 million school building has taken until this month to be finished.

The building, which mixes the original brickwork with the contemporary new build, is designed to be bright and vibrantcolourful.

On entry to the building visitors are greeted by a large staircase which has the main communal space behind.

Here, students will be able to enjoy hot food offerings from next year.

The stairs lead up to the first and second floors, which have classrooms around the edges and communal areas in the main sections which can be used as break-out teaching areas.

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From the top floor a large window has views out over the Everton Street Bowling Club and Darwen beyond.

Principal Ruth Bradbury said she was delighted work had been finished and couldn’t wait to get into the new sections of the building next year.

Mrs Bradbury said: “We have got a fab view out over Darwen.

“I love the contrast between the old and the new. That is my favourite part of the development.

“We have got the old brick but at the same time we have the modern professional bit at the back.

“It has been really well done. It has been a very sympathetic restoration.”

Student Courtney Fleming, 15, said: “I like it here and there are a lot of good opportunities.

“It is a lot better being in the new place as it is very spacious and there are lots of great facilities.”

Mrs Bradbury added: “We have got our own identity now and can control our own environment.

“The students have more of a feeling of us as a team and the staff do as well.

“It has been brilliant to look at it and think ‘this is us’.”