A MUSIC and drama room will make up some of the new facilities in the expansion of a Basingstoke primary school.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) has approved a proposal to extend the facilities of Castle Hill Primary School Rooksdown Campus, in Park Prewett Road.

At a decision day meeting of HCC executive member for education Councillor Peter Edgar held on Monday, 15 January, it was agreed £3.51 million would be allocated to deliver the development. This will see the school’s capacity increase from 210 to 420 pupils.

The plans will see eight new classrooms built, as well as a music and drama room and two rooms for group work.

The approval has been praised by Rooksdown ward councillor Simon Bound, pictured, who said that increasing the school capacity is helping to build the community.

Cllr Bound said: “After campaigning for a long time to get the school built, it is a great sign that we were right to do so.

“The county council has seen what a huge community asset the school is and by agreeing to the expansion it is taking advantage of our growing community.

“Primary schools are the best place for community cohesion, as it is where parents can meet and make friends.”

The Rooksdown Campus was built in 2015 in response to housing developments and was designed to be extended as the local population grew.

With demand in the area rising, project proposals have now been developed for the school’s expansion and Cllr Edgar’s approval of the project enables the process of finding a contractor to take on the work.

Cllr Edgar said: “Staying ahead of the game is vital when it comes to providing school places for a rising population. We are committed to ensuring we have sufficient places at good quality schools for families all over Hampshire.

“Our long experience of school building has given us invaluable, cost-effective methods to build schools, without compromising the quality of facilities. By taking account of projected development in local areas, we are able to allow for expansions. The extension at Castle Hill’s Rooksdown Campus is something we planned right from the start.