PLANS to pump more than £8 million into expanding and improving two Bournemouth primary schools will now go out to detailed public consultation.

Kings Park and St Michael’s schools are being prepared to receive an extra 210 pupils each to meet growing demand for places in the borough.

Schools, parents, carers and local residents will now have the chance to voice their opinions on the proposals, part of the government’s Primary Capital Programme.

Kings Park, which is set to expand from next September, will receive £5.3 million for improvement works and a further £200,000 to provide bigger and improved kitchen and dining facilities. St Michael’s will receive £3 million.

The schools, in Ashley Road and Somerville Road, will both eventually have three classes in each year group and current pupils have been involved in the design process for the schools.

“This programme will transform both schools and enhance the school experience for pupils” said Cllr Nicola Greene, cabinet member for Culture and School Development.

“The refurbishment works will improve accessibility at both schools, reduce maintenance costs, create better classrooms and increase the life of the buildings. The expansions will also help us to meet the increased demand for primary school places from September 2010 onwards.”

The government is committed to renewing at least half of all primary school buildings across the country by the academic year 2022/23 under the Primary Capital Programme.