The start of work on Dallimore Primary School in Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, will be marked with a sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday 4 July.

Councillor Jim Coyle, Deputy Cabinet Member for Schools is due to cut the first sod for the first phase at 2pm. Pupils and governors will be there to help.

Councillor Coyle said: "The current school dates from the 1950s and used to be separate infant and junior schools. The wooden buildings are dilapidated and would be too expensive to bring up to modern standards.

"I'm very pleased to be there at the start of an exciting new beginning for the pupils and staff of Dallimore Primary School."

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Dallimore Primary will be rebuilt in phases over about five years.

It is a complex project − a ground fault, main sewer and possible mine workings mean that the new building needs to be constructed in the area occupied by the existing buildings. Existing buildings will be demolished in phases, limiting the need for temporary accommodation.

The three building phases are:

Phase 1 − Infant block containing four classrooms, toilets, positive play room, office, temporary staffroom, plant room and playground.

Phase 2 − A major extension to the infant block to provide a hall, kitchen main entrance and reception, offices, permanent staff room and car park.

Phase 3 − A further extension containing six junior classrooms, toilets, specialist teaching areas and new playgrounds.

The new school building will accommodate 315 pupils. If the number of pupils rises, the building has been designed so that both the infant and junior wings can be extended.

(CD/IT)