A MULTI-MILLION pound project to expand schools in a Hampshire town will start this year.

Proposals for two school expansions in Eastleigh have been given the go-ahead as part of £6.6million investment by Hampshire County Council to increase primary school places.

The £5.6m expansion of The Crescent Primary School means that the popular school can increase from a two-form to a three-form entry, which will create an extra 210 places.

It will mean the school will, in total, cater for 630 pupils. Work is expected to start this December and finish in October 2014.

 

The project will see nine new classrooms created, which includes the replacement of two temporary ones.

Improvements and remodelling will take place to the existing teaching spaces and a new main hall, entrance, reception, toilets, and staff accommodation created.

Children will also be able to enjoy improved play areas and the habitat area will be replaced and relocated.

Head teacher Ben Dixon said: “We are very excited by the school expansion plan and feel we have got some excellent new facilities that will benefit all our pupils.

“One of the key things we wanted was a hall that was big enough to accommodate all of the school community, which we have achieved.”

He added that the children themselves had been involved with the planning, particularly of the outdoor learning and play areas.

Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry also approved £950,000 plans to create an additional 105 places at Nightingale Primary School, off Nightingale Avenue, so that it can accommodate a total of 420 pupils.

Subject to planning permission, it is being proposed that two new reception classrooms are built including toilet facilities and play area.

A new entrance, reception and main office will also be built along with a new classroom conversion. Work is scheduled to start in December and finish during August 2014.

Head teacher Suzie Wallis-Maclean said: “The new classes will be purpose-built for our Year R children and we cannot wait. We know that the new entrance, reception area and offices will make all our visitors feel extra special when they visit our school.”