Plans to regenerate Efford have reached a major milestone with the submission of a planning application to build a £8.6 million new school.

The new school will replace Highfield and Plym View primary schools, which have become tired and dated. The planning application is being submitted this week and if it is granted approval, work could start this summer.

The 315-pupil school will be built on the current Highfield site on Torridge Way following the demolition of the existing school.

Due to open in September 2010, it will also be home to a 36-place nursery, an integral Children's Centre and will have plenty of space for sports and arts for the community as well as the children.

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As well as learning spaces there will a sports hall, a performing arts hall, a studio which has changing rooms for community use, meeting rooms and a media suite where youngsters can continue their award-winning film making and animation work.

Some children formed a 'design pod' and have been working with ADG's senior architect Jez Lavers.

Members of the design pod have also been working with an artist in residence through Creative Partnerships on such things as the colour scheme and outside play areas for the school.

As well as working on the ideas for the building, children at both schools have been getting to know each other better through events including researching the history of both schools, joint sailing activities and community get-togethers.

ADG is working on behalf of the contractor Interserve Project Services Limited, which has been appointed to deliver the school by the Council.

(CD/JM)