Images have been released showing designs for a new Greenock nursery

The council wants to develop the early years centre on land at Stafford Road in Larkfield to help meet the increase in demand associated with the Scottish Government's major expansion of free childcare hours.

Plans for the development have now been submitted for approval.

It is expected to cost in the region of £3m.

Education officials are seeking the go-ahead for a single storey unit with associated parking, landscaping and infrastructure.

The Larkfield Early Learning Centre would be built on the former location of the Larkfield Boxing Club.

It's currently used as a turning point for the former Sacred Heart Primary School, which has played host to pupils and teachers from a whole host of decanted schools in recent years while their own buildings are either replaced or upgraded.

Once completed, the existing Larkfield Children’s Centre - which is located within a wing of the former school - will move into the new centre.

The former Sacred Heart Primary would then be demolished.

Details within the design and access statement which has been submitted as part of the proposals say: "At present, Sacred Heart is being used as a decant school, however the final school moves from this facility in early 2020.

"The school will be demolished, as part of the scope of works, once the new Larkfield Early Learning Centre is completed.

"The Larkfield Early Years project is being delivered as part of the Scottish Government plan to increase the entitlement of early learning and childcare from 600 hours to 1,140 hours by 2020."

The proposed new centre will have a 64 pupil playroom for tots aged between three and five as well as a small room for infants and two playrooms for kids aged between two to three, each with a capacity of 15.

In addition, there will be an outdoor classroom, parents' hub, IT suite, staffroom, toilets, a kitchen and laundry, meeting facilities and offices.

The proposal is expected to be given the go ahead in the coming months.