A NEW primary school in a Tynedale town has taken another step forward to completion ahead of its planned opening in September.

The former middle school in Haltwhistle has over the last year seen a vast refurbishment take place as part of the £2.65 million project, with the new school set to become the town’s primary school when it is completed later this year.

As well as being able to welcome pupils, the new site has also been designed to create a new space for local community activities, as well as also being home to a new children’s centre.

“I am extremely excited for the children of Haltwhistle and surrounding areas to be able to learn and grow in this new, fantastic learning environment,” said Councillor Ian Hutchinson, ward member for Haltwhistle.

“It offers so much for them and gives them access to opportunities they didn’t have before.

“As local ward member I was also pleased to be able to allocate further funding for the refurbishment of the changing facilities as part of the project through the capital schemes allowance.”

The new school will see the ground floor be the home to both nursery and reception children, while on the first and second floors will be classrooms as well as open-plan libraries on each floor, which will be where older children are taught.

“This building is something we can all really be proud of and we cannot wait to welcome all children into it in the new school year,” added Zoe Carr, the chief executive of WISE Academies, the trust which oversees the management of the school. Despite some setbacks, we have now made plans to open the school in September and contractors will move forward with the final works needed to make this happen.”