THESE photos of the soon-to-be Paxman Academy show works are coming along fast.

The latest milestone for the new school in Paxman Avenue, Colchester, was reached at the end of October when the building was made watertight.

The next phase of work will be carried out over the next few weeks, completing the roofing for the sports hall and the remaining glazing.

The £14 million school, at the former Alderman Blaxill School site, is on track to open in autumn 2019.

When complete, the new secondary school will provide 900 spaces for pupils. The three-storey building will have 20 classrooms, a library, a suite of science laboratories, technology workshops and a sports hall.

Barnes Construction was awarded the contract to build the new school, which will be run by the Sigma Trust.

Councillor Lyn Barton (Lib Dem), who fought to ensure the site was used for education, said: “It’s amazing to see the progress that’s being made every time I drive past. It’s what the community wanted and it’s what we have delivered. Residents are delighted.”