THE former Columbus College site could get a new lease of life after plans to set up an academy were proposed.

The Lilac Sky Academy Trust is looking at giving the Maltese Road site a major revamp and using it for a new primary academy called Maltese Grove.

Preparations to open in September 2015 are well under way, with a complete refurbishment of the building expected to start in January.

The Columbus College school moved to a new site in 2012.

Parents are invited to give their views on the plans at a meeting at the neighbouring King Edward Grammar School, on Thursday, December 11, at 6pm.

For places in the reception class, parents can apply through Essex County Council’s primary school admissions process or direct to the academy trust for places in other year groups.

Vicky Rezaie, the academy’s executive principal, said: “The new academy will be at the heart of the Chelmsford community and we can’t wait to share our plans and ideas with parents and carers and the community.”

Lilac Sky sponsors six academies across Essex, Kent and East Sussex.