This is the first peek at how a secondary school in Staffordshire will look after an investment of almost £10 million is given the go-ahead.

A BMX track and a four-court sports hall, as well as new art and science facilities, form part of the £9.7m plans for Staffordshire University Academy, formerly Blake Valley Technology College, in Hednesford.

Planning chiefs at Cannock Chase Council will be asked to recommend the designs at a meeting next Wednesday.

However, a proposed main access via a nearby cul-de-sac is expected to be vetoed. Officers say residents in Marina Crescent would not be able to park outside their own homes at peak times under the scheme. The proposed development will take up less space than originally envisaged, allowing sporting facilities to be improved.

At the heart of the new design is a three-storey building, described as a learning zone with flexible spaces to support various sized groups. The academy will also have music, drama, art and science facilities.

The school, which boasts TV presenter Kate Walsh as a former pupil, opened in the existing Blake Valley buildings in September.

Under the plans, most of the classrooms on the eastern side of the school dating from the 1960s and 1980s would be demolished together with four outbuildings.

The existing reception area with the main hall and changing rooms to the rear, refurbished in 2006, together with the sports hall and pool would be retained.

The reception would be remodelled and extended to form a restaurant with an adjoining external dining area.

But a report to the planning control committee says an objection is recommended for the inclusion of a new lit pedestrain access from Marina Crescent as the main way in for students. The full application will be considered by the planning committee in March.