County Durham council has approved revamped plans for a £43m education and leisure complex, which includes an impressive dining area (as pictured).
Carillion is understood to be the contractor lined up to build the new complex in Consett and is due to start on site in April.
The new academy and swimming pool at the Belle Vue site will replace Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College.
Work is due to begin in May with main building work starting in mid August to meet a project completion date of Christmas 2014.