Construction of a new Welland Primary School which will include solar panels so that the school can generate its own energy began on Monday 8th August.

The new school will replace the existing primary school which is in urgent need of modernisation and will also create much-needed additional school places.

The new buildings will include a number of low carbon features and innovative environmental technologies such as a green sedum roof system, rainwater harvesting and sustainable heating using a biomass boiler. Photovoltaic solar panels will allow the school to produce its own energy.

There will be additional teaching classrooms, a larger school hall and additional space so that the number of pupils on-roll can double to 420. Outside there will be landscaped areas to enhance outdoor learning and a grassed area to include a football pitch and a hard surfaced games area.

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The new school will be built on the school's playing field so that the existing school can continue to operate as usual. Once the new school is built, the old buildings can be demolished and replaced with a playground and playing fields.

Kier Eastern will build the new school, which is expected to be open for the new school year in September 2012.

Councillor John Holdich, cabinet member for education, skills and university, said: "Welland Primary School has been in desperate need of renovation for some time so I am pleased that building work is about to begin. The new buildings will transform the learning environment for pupils and teachers and will offer pupils and the wider community the first class facilities which they deserve.

"The additional places that the new buildings will provide will also help to ease the pressure on primary school places in this area of the city which has been caused by an increasing birth rate and residential developments."

(CD/GK)