Plans have been submitted for a £1.7 million extension project at Gourock Primary in Inverclyde.

The council is planning to build an additional dining/activity hall, kitchen and reception and entrance area at the school as part of its £270m investment across the region's schools estate.

Gourock Primary, renowned for its unusual 'flying saucer' design, was completed and opened in 1999.

The project will involve moving the kitchen to the new extension, therefore allowing all classrooms to be linked to the existing circular corridor. A new medium size classroom will also be created together with new toilets, storage space and a new car park with two extra parking spaces.

Cllr Jim Clocherty said: "The design team literally had to fit a square peg onto a round hole but I think they have come up with a fantastic proposal to link the original building with the new extension.

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"They have deliberately resisted the temptation to follow the curves of the existing building to provide regular spaces that will benefit the current – and importantly – future demands of the school."

Head Teacher Patricia Robertson said: "Pupils and staff are so excited that we will soon have a separate dining hall which will provide more space and opportunities for lunchtime clubs and after-school activities."

Elsewhere, the council's £5m refurbishment of Moorfoot Primary in Gourock has just been completed, while Lady Alice Primary's £3.8m refurbishment is close to completion along with the new £9.2m St Ninian's Primary in Gourock and £3.4m Glenpark Early Learning Centre in Greenock. Work is also due to start on a £6m refurbishment and extension of St Mary's Primary.

Cllr Clocherty added: "This is a clever solution and one I am sure will benefit children in Gourock for many years to come.

"Our school estate programme is without a doubt one of the most ambitious in the whole of the UK and I am delighted we have reached another milestone as we continue to deliver learning environments that are second-to-none for the vast majority of our children and young people."

(LM/MH)