A GROUND-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of work on Ark Soane, a development in Acton comprising a new 1,200-pupil secondary school and 11 homes.

Phase one of the Ark Soane building is complete and the school is welcoming its first Year 7 cohort this month. Phase 2 is due to open next September.

The school will occupy the first three floors of the six- to 12-storey building, with 113 apartments located, in addition to three separate town houses on the site.

Ark Soane Academy will use the surrounding grounds, which include a multi-use games area, sports hall and playgrounds.

Matt Neuberger, principal at Ark Soane, said: “Our mission has been welcomed with excitement by the local community.”