Plans for a school and adult learning centre have taken a step forward.

Darlington Borough Council is inviting architectural firms to tender for the design of the Skerne Park Primary School and adult learning centre to be built on the estate.

The school and centre are to be built on the Skerne Park Infants School site.

A council spokesman said: "By the end of January or early February we hope to have the architects on board."

The 420-place primary school will provide a nursery unit, and the adult learning centre will offer facilities for anyone over 16 who wants to continue learning. It will have three classrooms, a reception area and a house UK online centre.

The Government has pledged £2.9m from a £132m pot of money being distributed to improve decaying school buildings.

Darlington Borough Council is allocating £700,000 to the project, with £385,000 from the Learning and Skills Council for the adult learning centre.

It is hoped that the facility will open by September 2005.

* There will be an open evening at Skerne Park Junior School on Tuesday, November 25, at 6pm, to discuss the school and facilities.

Invitations will be sent out to residents, parents, community groups and other interested parties by the council.

A council spokesman said: "Anyone who wants to find out more detail about the plans for this community site, or who has something to contribute, is welcome to come along to that meeting."