The construction of the revolutionary eco-friendly building at Penwortham's Priory Sports and Technology College was almost thwarted when it was feared Great Crested Newts were living on the site.

Development was halted until nature surveys were done, and headteacher Jim Hourigan reckons the delay cost the school nearly £60,000.

The block, which will be officially handed over next month and formally opened in the new year, has been finished ahead of schedule.

It contains a host of innovative features, with the futuristic facility tailored to the specific requests of the school.

Head of technology Ian Tindsley has worked side by side with the architects and builders, who have made changes as they have gone along.

Mr Tindsley said: "The relationship between the school, the architect and Lancashire County Council has been superb.

"It has meant the school has had a lot of input and that things have been tailored to suit our requirements exactly.

"It is bespoke, and there won't be another building like this.
"We have incredible features such as radiant heaters, so there are no radiators on the walls, it is climatic control.

"The rooms are not square and there are other things, like sockets coming down from the ceiling in the technology rooms, so we are not restricted to where we put things.

"The kitchen in the food tech room has been done by a local supplier and it's superb, tailored specifically to our needs.

"There are a whole range of innovative features, such as speakers in the ceiling tiles and we have a central resource area.

"The whole place is very warm and eco-friendly and it has been built to the very highest regulations – right down to the quality of timber used."

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Mr Hourigan said: "The school has now got a fantastic building. We can't wait to use it and both staff and students can't wait to get in there.

"We are going to put very contemporary furniture in the break out areas, and are also going to landscape and provide more outdoor seating for students."