Announcing the planning approval, Education & Communities Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "The St Mary's school building has been a feature of Greenock town centre for many years.
"The refurbishment will essentially create a new school within the existing walls giving staff and pupils the best possible facilities while maintaining that sense of history at the heart of the local community."
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The existing building will be re-slated and all windows replaced with double-glazed windows. External doors will be replaced, stonework repaired and all classrooms and teaching facilities renewed.
A new extension featuring a gym/assembly hall and new entrance to the existing school will also be built.
Inverclyde Council's £270million school estate investment is on track to be completed five years early.
Councillor Clocherty added: "If all goes to plan every child in Inverclyde will be in a new or fully refurbished school by 2020 enjoying the best facilities money can buy. Education remains our top priority and the continued improvement in our school estate over recent years has been reflected in our academic and vocational achievements."
The new £9.2million St Ninian's Primary in Gourock and £3.4million Glenpark Early Learning Centre are due to be completed in the coming months along with the refurbishments of Moorfoot Primary in Gourock - £5million – and Lady Alice Primary in Greenock - £3.8 million. Gourock Primary is also due to undergo a £1.7million extension.
(MH/CD)
