Consultation has started for a new primary academy on the former Chatham South site.

Potential providers are being asked to come forward to establish and run the school in Letchworth Avenue.

At the same time residents are being asked for their views.

The primary will cater for up to 630 children aged between three to 11 and is due to open by September 2014. The opening is timed to accommodate the predicted rise in the number of primary school places needed in Chatham over the next five years.

The estimated cost of converting the existing buildings school into the new primary is £3.6 million.

Following approval from cabinet,Medway Council has formally notified the DfE of plans to establish the new primary in line with the 2011 Education Act, which states that local authorities should seek to establish any new school provision as a free school or academy.

Interested parties should submit proposals setting out their vision for the academy by 9am on Monday, September 24.

Proposals will be considered against a range of criteria, including the educational plan being put forward, the capability and expertise of the provider and value for money – ensuring the provider will be able to make the best use of available budgets.

The council will then submit the proposals to the Department for Education, with a recommendation for the preferred option. The final decision on the confirmed provider will be made by the Secretary of State and is expected in December 2012.

A full document outlining the details behind the proposals and potential timeline for the work can be found online on Medway Council’s website.

The estimated cost of converting the buildings into the new primary is £3.6million, although this is subject to more detailed design work, which is currently underway, and the announcement of future funding allocations from central government.

General comments on the proposals can also be sent by letter to prim.reorg@medway.gov.uk by Monday, September 24.