A STATE-OF-THE-ART £13million primary school in Cradley Heath is a step closer with a possible location now identified.

Sandwell council has chosen the site of a new “super school” for 600 pupils which would replace the ageing Corngreaves, Old Hill and Reddal Hill primary schools.

Officers are now looking to acquire the land, with compulsory purchase orders set to be submitted in the autumn. It is hoped work on the new complex could then begin in April 2011.

Sandwell council cabinet member for children’s services councillor Ian Jones said the Cradley Heath reorganisation would be included in phase 2 of the authority’s programme of improving primary education.

Cllr Jones said: “It’s all on track, the site has been identified and we are in the process of trying to acquire it.

“We had a plan of action at the start and that is still the case, we want to start building it in April 2011 - that’s still our aim.”

The three current schools all date back to the 19th century and the council want to improve accommodation for pupils as well as reducing class sizes.

When complete the new facility would include a nursery, with Timbertree primary also refurbished as part of the plan.

Cllr Jones said funding for the scheme was in good shape and claimed the current recession may actually help to lower costs.

He added: “We are in a buyer’s market. The cost of acquiring all the land and building work is down, I think conditions are favourable.

“The only things that could change is funding on a national level with a new government.”