WORK has started on a £1.36m project to build a new music block at Henry Box School in Witney.

Plans for a purpose-built music faculty were approved by Oxfordshire County Council in July and work is expected to be completed by September next year, coinciding with the school’s 350th anniversary celebrations.

Headteacher Nicola Edmondson said: “We're delighted this much-needed new facility is now being built.

“It's a really exciting project that will provide music facilities which will benefit all our students.

“Completion will coincide with our 350th anniversary and we plan to hold a grand opening in the autumn of 2010.”

The building will be made up of three music rooms, an ensemble room, seven practice rooms, a recording studio and a base for music faculty staff.

It will be available for use by the public, as the school is designated as a Yamaha Music Learning Centre.

Music facilities are currently housed in the Grade II listed former Witney police station, which is on the school site.

Some lessons are taught in former detention cells.