THE council has awarded a £1.9 million construction contract to extend and refurbish St Philip CE Primary School to a Greater Manchester firm.

Bardsley Construction started work on the Westbrook site, which includes the development of two single-storey extensions to provide additional teaching space, in May, with completion due for next April.

The company will also refurbish and remodel existing buildings spanning 2,500 square metres to deliver improved facilities and greater floor space.

External elements of the scheme at the school, which has 415 pupils aged four to 11, involve an extension of the playground area and replacement of the grass playing fields.

Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children's services, said: "This extension is part of plans to create additional school places in the west of Warrington, and there will be an extra 30 places per year, so 210 additional places in total across the school at St Philip Primary.

"It's great news for the school and local community that they will be getting additional space and brand new facilities including a new infant hall and kitchen.

"Plans also include an extension of the playground which I'm sure the children will love."

Ged Rooney, procurement director at Bardsley Construction, added: "Our experience over many years in the provision of new and refurbished facilities for schools throughout the north west and west Yorkshire will be truly invaluable as we manage and progress this project with the school in full occupation.

"The winning of this contract is further evidence of Bardsley continuing to benefit from its hard-earned reputation for working effectively with the public sector via partnerships with education bodies, local authorities, housing associations and health authorities."

The architect for the scheme is Preston-based Cassidy, with programme management and construction consultants Turner and Townsend acting for the council.