Work has now begun to transform an eyesore garage, in Merridale Lane, into the flagship centre at Wolverhampton Grammar School. The two storey block will be furnished with the latest lighting, sound and art equipment, art workshops, and will host student productions and art exhibitions.

Formerly a car showroom for Brindley Motors, the building had been empty for three years before the school purchased the site last spring.

It has since been flattened to allow the school to extend its premises from Compton Road and is set for completion next May.

Headteacher Dr Bernard Trafford said the new facility would prove a fantastic addition for the school. "Our arts and drama department has always produced work of a high standard but the facilities were always a poor relation,” he said. “I’ve been here for 17 years and always known we needed a new facility to house art and drama. This piece of land was ideal and we are very excited about its future possibilities. Our students can’t wait for the centre to open – it should be fantastic."

Disabled access, including a lift, will be included in the development which will be IT compatible and fitted with latest energy saving devices.

School spokesman Kris Griffin said the site was already unrecognisable and would become an attractive building. “It’s going to be an amazing facility for students and will be in keeping with the aspect of the area,” he said. “There will be several art workrooms which are large open spaces with lots of natural light.