Work will start on January 4 to build a �21.4m Norwich academy, after the final go-ahead was given.

Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for children's services Alison Thomas signed off the final paperwork to allow builders to move onto the site of the new City Academy Norwich.

The building will replace the old complex of Earlham High on Earlham Road, which has housed City Academy Norwich since it opened in September 2009.

The academy is sponsored by lead sponsor City College Norwich, alongside co-sponsors The University of East Anglia (UEA), the county council and education partner Norwich School.

Features of the new building include:

? A link to the UEA's environmentally efficient heating system to reduce the new building's carbon footprint;

? A glass-fronted, curved building with views through to Bluebell Plantation;

? An atrium for dining, drama and lectures, with bridges connecting the upper classrooms;

? An outdoor amphitheatre for performance;

? A computerised e-wall in the learning and resources centre;

? A large space for sciences and a science garden.

Mrs Thomas said: 'The academy will benefit from world-class facilities, helping to raise aspiration and achievement for many generations of Norwich youngsters and their families.'

The academy is expected to move into the new building from summer 2012.

Academy principal David Brunton said: 'This is a tremendously important milestone for City Academy Norwich. We are really excited that building work will soon begin to turn our inspirational vision for a 21st century learning environment into a reality.'

Dick Palmer, principal of City College Norwich, said: 'The new facilities will enable the Academy to be even more flexible and innovative, helping to raise student success and aspirations even further.'

Bert Bremner, county councillor for the area, said: 'When I speak to the pupils they say they feel special, they feel wanted, and they feel that society cares. The new building will be a fantastic boost to the Earlham area and I am particularly pleased that it will complement the academy's community focus.

'This is much needed investment in education in the area, for both children and adults, and I am sure the new facilities will help boost teaching and learning.'

? Do you have a schools story? Call Steve Downes on 01263 513920 or email steve.downes@archant.co.uk.