Inverclyde Council’s programme of schools investment is moving forward with the St Patrick’s Primary School project in for planning permission.

The £7 million project will deliver a brand new state-of- the-art building for St Patricks Primary in Greenock. It is anticipated work will begin on site in summer 2015 and be completed by October 2016.

The school will be decanted to the former Sacred Heart Primary school during this time.

Inverclyde Council’s education vice convener, Councillor Martin Brennan, said: “This is an important milestone in delivering a new school for St Patrick’s Primary School. Our entire school estate programme is one of the most ambitious in the entire country and one that is delivering excellent learning environments for our young people. During the entire process our parents and young people are and continue to be extremely patient recognising that short term hassles will deliver long term gains for our young people with new and improved facilities.”

The £5.9m refurbishment at Ardgowan Primary in Greenock is also making good progress and is due to be completed in May. The project will see a new three storey extension to accommodate changing rooms, staff facilities and other support accommodation. It also includes a new double height assembly hall/ gymnasium extension.

The playground will include a new 135 square metre multi-use games area, raised social space, seating and covered canopy structure.

Contractors are also on site at the £2.8m refurbishment project at St John’s Primary in Port Glasgow.

The project includes extensions forming a new dining area/activity space and nursery class facility. A multi-use games area will also be installed, with work scheduled to be completed by August 2015.

The £3.9m refurbishment of Kilmacolm Primary has been brought forward and will see staff and pupils move temporarily to the former St Stephen’s High School in Autumn 2015.

The nursery school will remain on site in temporary modular accommodation. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2016.