NEARLY half a million pounds is to be spent readying plans for a new building to replace Peterchurch Primary School.

County councillors agreed in October 2022 to replace the school on its current site in the Golden Valley to a new location southwest of the current building, at a cost of over £10 million.

This is to increase its capacity from 105 to 140 pupils, adding a nurture hub for those with special educational needs, and is intended to be in use from September 2026.

Herefordshire Council has now concluded a contract worth £467,287, including contingencies and fees, to Exeter-based Tilbury Douglas Construction to work up shovel-ready plans for the new building.

Herefordshire Council will be working with Tilbury Douglas Construction as the project moves through the design stage.

The school currently occupies buildings which are in poor condition and unsuitable in many respects for the provision of primary education.

A feasibility study has already shown that a new build would give better value for money than maintaining the current building, the cost of which is likely to be around £600,000 over the next three years.

The study warns: “Given the extent of the dilapidation at the school, health and safety issues could arise for which the council could be held liable, while children will continue to learn in an unsuitable environment.”