A £750,000 project to expand a rural Ribble Valley primary school and add a chapel is to start in July.

Commissioned by the Society of Jesus Trust, a new chapel is to be created in the upper storey of the existing fine stone building, with an additional classroom created on the footprint of the old chapel at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Hurst Green.

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The new classroom will be housed in a new 170m2 two-storey extension.

Planning consent for the project was given by Ribble Valley Borough Council last year.

Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton is to lead the project, which is due to be completed by Easter 2016.

The renovation will provide additional space, maintaining the existing capacity but providing improved pastoral facilities and multi-purpose dining and teaching space for use by both the school and parish.

A new entrance complete with staircase and lift will also offer greater accessibility to a new chapel within the school’s existing premises.

The project had previously been delayed due to a number of planning conditions being negotiated by the applicant and the council.

Michael Hartley, director at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “This commission follows our recent successful refurbishment for The Society of Jesus Trust, which saw St Peter’s Church at Stonyhurst, a Grade I-listed building, restored to its former glory.

“With demand for school places at an all-time high, the extension will provide a much-needed space for parishioners and school users to enjoy and further adds to our outstanding portfolio in both the ecclesiastical and education sectors.”

Elizabeth Stevens, head teacher of St Joseph’s school, said: “This is a very exciting development for our school.

“The additional classroom space will allow us to increase our numbers and offer an outstanding learning environment for our children.”

Nearby Stonyhurst College has promised to loan art work for the new building at the school in Whalley Road.

The Society of Jesus, which helps to run the school, has previously said that “important elements” from the existing chapel will be re-used in the new building, including the altar pinnacle for the tabernacle, the altar frieze and the holy water stoup.

Selected statues and cupboards for the sacristy would also be re-used.