PITTSBURGH — The Diocese of Pittsburgh this morning announced a significant move toward moving North Catholic High School from its Pittsburgh neighborhood to Cranberry Township.

The diocese said it has acquired the option to buy 71 acres on the northern side of Route 228 across from St. Kilian Elementary School, and it hopes to buy the land by the end of the year.

In a news release, the diocese said it wants the land to build a new Catholic high school. North Catholic now is in Troy Hill in Pittsburgh.

The diocese plans to investigate the property in the next several months before making a final decision. Pending that investigation, the diocese may buy the property by the end of the year.

The diocese contacted both Cranberry and Seven Fields officials to build a school that will serve more than 1,000 students. Before work can begin, however, the diocese needs to raise money.

"A project of this magnitude requires a substantial commitment of capital in the form of cash and pledges as well as external borrowing. While the hope is to commence construction as soon as possible, no work can begin until the capital campaign generates sufficient funds," according to the diocese's statement.

In 2006, when the move was first approved, the diocese estimated the school would cost about $25 million to $30 million. The diocese said it would need to raise half of that money and half would come from borrowing.

The diocese has said in the past that it expected to open the school in 2011.