Construction work has begun on the first of 39 schools to be rebuilt under the Government’s £2.4 billion priority school building programme (PSBP).

Mesne Lea Primary School in Salford has received £3.9 million from PSBP and will see a fit-for-purpose rebuild that will improve the outdated facilities.

The work will see a new two-story primary school will include a multi-purpose hall and a shared teaching space between reception and nursery groups.

Schools Minister David Laws said that the start of the construction at Mesne Lea Primary School is a key milestone in the government’s nationwide programme.

“Delivering great new schools will help to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that every young person across the region can get on in life,” said David.

“Vital building work is taking place at schools in the worst state across the country. We are making good progress with 16 school buildings now open - 55 are under construction and the remaining projects are well into the development or planning stages.”

The work at the school is due to be completed by September 2015 as PSBP aims to rebuild schools faster and cheaper than the previous school building initiative with projects costing around a third less.

Contract Manager, Sid Wallace of Interserve, said: “Interserve are very pleased to be back in Salford, delivering the new school. It’s the second school in the programme of 7, with the first project due to complete in 2 weeks.”

Last week the Government announced details of a second phase of funding worth around £2 billion which will see a further 277 school buildings rebuilt bring the total of schools to benefit from the programme to 537.