Students and local residents got a glimpse of how the new Harris Academy in Purley will be transformed under latest plans.

Visitors to the Academy were able to view and comment on the council’s redevelopment plans, which will see outdated facilities at the school replaced.

Representatives from Croydon Council’s Transforming Croydon Schools (TCS) programme, as well as architects Aedas and building contractor Wilmott Dixon, were there to explain the proposals, respond to questions and listen to feedback.

The plans for Harris Academy Purely are part of a scheme which will see £350 million invested in education across the borough over the next decade.

If approved, the £18.5 million redevelopment plans for Harris Academy Purley will deliver modern teaching and learning facilities to “meet the evolving needs of 21st century students together with extensive refurbishment of buildings and amenities not earmarked for replacement”.

It will also include a new four storey building to house the Business and Enterprise Faculty, more hard courts and a full-size all weather pitch.

Harris Academy Purley opened in September 2009 with the aim for building plans to be finalised towards the end of this year.

If consent is granted, work could begin at the Academy in January 2011 and be completed by summer 2012.

Carol-Anne Alcock, principal of the academy, said: "While it is students and teachers that are at the heart of our academy rather than the building, these plans will give us a learning environment we can benefit from for generations to come.

"We've been working closely with the Council and architects to develop the plans and I can safely say that our students were delighted when they saw what is being proposed."