Detailed plans for a new primary school, located north of the river in Wick, have been approved by the Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee.

The proposals will see the school constructed on part of the existing playing fields which service the current North Primary School on Girnigoe Street.

Upon completion, the new £14.1m facility will replace North Primary School and Hillhead Primary School.

Work on the project will commence after Easter, with a scheduled completion date being given for August 2015. The new school will include a library, dining and sports facilities, a three-classroom Additional Support Needs facility, a 90-place nursery, sports pitches and multi-use games area. There will also be car parking access from Ackergill Street, while a drop off zone will be created along Girnigoe Street.

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The application was presented by Hub North Scotland Ltd who are delivering the school project on behalf of The Highland Council. Planning consent has already been granted to the Council for the new 3-to-18 Wick Community Campus school south of the river - within the grounds of the existing Wick High School. The Community Campus facility will replace the existing Wick High School, as well as South Primary School, Pulteneytown Academy Primary School, the community swimming pool and the community library.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair, Adult and Children's Services Committee, welcomed the announcement. He said: "This is another milestone achieved in delivering the most modern education provision possible in Wick. Our investment of £54 million is a huge boost to the local community and to the building industry in the area. Good news all round.

(JP/MH)