plans for the proposed new Gateway Community College building are due to be considered by Thurrock Council's planning committee in the new year.

The plans, detailing the G-shaped building to be built near the corner of Marshfoot Road and St Chad's Road in Tilbury, were unveiled to the public earlier in the year.

The building, which is scheduled to open in the autumn term 2006 subject to planning permission and negotiation with contractors, will bring together the current north and south sites.

The models and plans were well received by Coun Emma Woods, cabinet member for Education, Children and Families. She said: "I think the college is visually astounding, and will be a key element in bringing two communities together.

The project will help establish a stable and bright future for education in Thurrock."

The distinctive signature building is an open semi-circle with a pathway, representing the gateway to success, and has capacity to house 1200 Year 7-11 students, with future opportunities for expansion to accommodate an additional 600 pupils.

The £25m project will make the school one of the best equipped in the country -- including extensive sports facilities and an array of new services to accommodate for the Gateway's extended school status.

The plans and a model of the building can be viewed by the public at Chadwell Library, Brentwood Road.