A brand new 50 place nursery is set to be opened on the site of a former library and renowned pupil referral unit.

The former Friar's Library off Constable Way, Shoebury, on the land of the former community centre will soon become the home of Sweet Peas Nursery, with its opening expected in October.

The new nursery has come as part of Southend Council's plans to help meet increased demand for nursery places in the borough.

The government introduced its 30 hours free childcare scheme last year.

Completion of the nursery development will be swiftly followed by the construction of nine new homes, which will help to finance the project.

James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “This was an underused and partially vacant brownfield site, so it is great to see it put to good use for the community.

"Delivering the project through the council’s development company, has ensured best value for money to the council and local taxpayers and has enabled the nursery to be built in advance of the housing.”

As part of the project, the council also received £331,837 from the Department for Education to enable the new nursery to create 24 new places and extend its current 26 places from part-time to full-time.

It will follow the regeneration of the former Hinguar Primary School and Saxon Lodge sites in Shoebury.

The project converted the sites into new housing, which included nine affordable housing units and a further six, which were sold to the Moat Housing Association.

Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “The completion of the nursery and new family housing in a sustainable location will be a very welcome development for hard-working parents in the area, who will be able to benefit from the new places and the national 30 hours’ free childcare funding made available by the Government.”

Sweet Peas Nursery will be another development from the council's PSP Southend LLP, which was established in partnership with Public Sector Plc.

David Samson, Regional Director, Public Sector Plc said: “This project, completed on budget and to programme, has created a much needed new community facility and is a great example of public or private sector partnerships, creating value from assets to achieve exciting and positive outcomes for the local community.”