BUILDING work to expand a bursting primary school has begun.

Five new classrooms are being built at Whitmore Primary School and Nursery, in Whitmore Way, Basildon, which will create 150 extra places for pupils.

The work is part of a £6.4 million project by Essex County Council to prepare for the strain of a predicted major population increase in the area.

As part of the extension, a studio, group study room, and staff and pupil toilets will also be created.

A spokesman for Essex County Council, said: “The project is just starting on site, with enabling works being carried out over the next couple of weeks before work starts on a new build extension.

“The project starting at Whitmore Primary School is a 150 place expansion.

“The project includes five new classrooms, one infant classroom from remodelling and four new build junior classrooms.”

As part of the extension, one large building will be located on the grassed area to south west of the existing junior school, while a smaller building will be located to the east of the existing infant school building.

Whitmore Way, which was handed a good rating by Ofsted in its last inspection, is one of four schools in the area earmarked for development.

Extensions will also be built at Abacus Primary School, in Tresco Way, Wickford, Runwell Primary School, in Canewdon Gardens, Runwell, and Ghyllgrove Community Infant and Junior Schools, in The Gore, Basildon, with a total of 600 new spaces being created.

Last week, Ghyllgrove announced its plans will go on display to the public between 3pm and 6.30pm on Thursday, April 28.

Its £2.4million project, funded by Essex County Council, will see a total of 210 new places created.

Seven new classrooms would be built on the junior school site, including three for the infant school and four for the juniors.

The plans also include an all weather play area and additional car parking.

Southend Council has spent £22.5million expanding its school places to keep up with the borough’s rising population.

It began its expansion programme in September 2010, creating 255 permanent reception places in schools, as well as 120 temporary places, which were funded by Department for Education grants, income from building developments and council funds.