By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:54, Monday, 11 February 2013

Plans for a new site for a Carlisle primary school have moved a step forward after city councillors approved £1.6 million towards the relocation expense.

Pennine Way Primary School in Harraby wants to move from its current site to the larger, former North Cumbria Technology School site across the road.

The city council is allocating £1.6m from its budget for 2013/2014 towards the scheme – which is also a community project.

The new scheme is designed to deliver a three form entry primary school, community centre, library, theatre and other sports facilities on the former NCTC site.

The money will be spread over three years – between 2013 and 2016.

Sue Blair, headteacher at Pennine Way School on Silverdale Road, said: “We are delighted that the city council has allocated this money towards our proposed school move.

“The scheme is in the hands of a project board and we are working with the community to enhance opportunities for children. The school is being extended because pupil numbers are increasing.

“Our optimistic view is that the school will hopefully be ready for us – and the community to use – by September 2014.”

Mrs Blair said the idea was that the community as well as the teachers and pupils would all have a say in how the school can be developed.

The North Cumbria Technology College buildings ceased to be used as a school in December 2010 when the successor to the technology college, Richard Rose Central Academy, moved to a purpose-built new school in the city centre.

The buildings were used as temporary accommodation by Carlisle College until February 2012.

First published at 12:49, Monday, 11 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk