Work begins on new Dundee primary school

The new school is expected to open in spring 2012

Builders are starting construction of a new £8m primary school for Whitfield in Dundee.

The school, which is expected to open in spring 2012, is being built as a replacement for the current Whitfield and Newfields primaries.

It will also replace the Whitfield Community Early Years Centre with an 80-place nursery.

Other facilities at the new school include 21 classrooms, a gym, music room and a drama area.

Dundee City Council education convener Liz Fordyce said: "The construction of a new primary school for Whitfield will bring much needed contracts for local firms and economic activity at a very difficult time.

"I am pleased that work is starting and that the people of Whitfield can look forward to this new school developing at the centre of the area's regeneration."

"Everyone is very excited at the prospect of this state-of-the-art school becoming a focal point among the many positive changes emerging in Whitfield."