STAFF and pupils of a Kidderminster school are celebrating as its refurbishment is now under way.

Franche Community Primary School, on the site of the former Franche first and middle schools, is being transformed into a “fit-for-purpose” community primary school.

Services including Chestnut Children’s Centre and Franche 726 will work together with the primary school.

Planned new build on the site was cancelled last year but with input from pupils, parents and staff, the governors and headteacher said they were “delighted” with the refurbishment plans.

They will provide larger classrooms and specialist learning environments alongside extended services areas for the children’s centre and Franche 726.

Lee Wright, chairman of governors, said: “Being on such a large site means that, with the refurbishment of both former school buildings, this fit-for-purpose primary school will offer our local families smaller classes in larger classrooms.

“This will complement our fantastic outside space that currently has playing fields, a tree house classroom, forest school, conservation areas and raised vegetable beds. With our recently relined swimming pool and the refurbishment, we will continue to offer outstanding opportunities to our children.“ He added: “Losing the new build was a disappointment but this refurbishment is going to give us the best of both worlds by using the spacious accommodation we have in the most appropriate ways.”

Pupils and staff have been involved in the plans. Pupil William Weston, 9 said: “We have been planning this for ages and it’s really exciting that building has finally started.“