Located on the High Street, the existing 1846 Gothic School is Category A listed and built of ashlar sandstone with a slate roof.

The project is split into two phases - the first will see a 6,800 sq ft extension built to the rear of the existing structure. It will house three nursery classrooms and two primary classrooms as well as quiet time and ancillary support accommodation. The extension will feature under-floor heating as part of an energy-efficient build and feature Larch cladding, coloured to enhance the setting of the existing 1846 building.

The school has a current intake of around 200 primary aged pupils and 20 nursery children. The new extension will allow all lessons to be delivered within one main building.

Once the extension is complete the existing nursery will be demolished. In its place, the site team will create a new play area, along with an outdoor amphitheatre.

The second phase involves substantial refurbishment of the school’s 4,300 sq ft dining hall. The site team will install a new heating and electrical system, thermally-efficient cladding and double glazed windows.

Chair of Moray Council’s children and young people’s services committee, Cllr Tim Eagle, said: “Moray Council is committed to improving the learning environment in which our staff and children teach and learn. It is pleasing to agree a design which enhances the use of what is an iconic structure. When complete the whole school community will be learning together in a fit for purpose building.”

Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall in Scotland, added: “Construction work involving a listed building and a busy school environment demands a specific skill set, and our Special Works team, which will be carrying this out, is particularly successful in this arena.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have been selected by Moray Council to deliver the works at Milnes Primary school and we’re looking forward to delivering an inspiring teaching and learning environment. I’m confident that the improvements to this historic school site will be well received by staff and pupils alike.”

Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2018.