WORK has started on a £935,000 new classroom block at Leigh and Bransford Primary School at Leigh Sinton, near Malvern.

Housing three classrooms and a library, the single-storey, timber-frame building forms part of a major expansion programme at the school which is set to double in size over the next few years. There will also be improvements to access and parking at the premises in Hoopers Close.

The project was awarded to construction company Stepnell by Worcestershire County Council with the energy-efficient new teaching block due to be completed in February 2017. It will feature an eco-friendly living sedum "green roof" designed to provide sustainable drainage and a habitat for wildlife. The construction project will also include the installation of further photovoltaic rooftop panels on an existing building at the school.

Stepnell director Richard Wakeford said: “Our team brings a strong record of delivering high-quality educational buildings and inspiring learning environments. We’re excited to be working on this project which will both enable Leigh and Bransford Primary School to increase in size and create modern, enhanced facilities for pupils and staff. Our team has extensive experience of creating new buildings in ‘live’ settings and we are working closely with the school to ensure that the construction programme causes the least possible disruption to the day-to-day life of pupils and staff.”