​Students at Connaught Street School in Fredericton are enjoying their new gym during the day as the final touches on a major $4.5 million expansion project near completion.

Principal Barb Corbett said planning for the construction work began about 18 months ago. A ground-breaking took place in June 2018 and work on site has been steady since that time. 

The elementary school did not have a cafeteria, and a multi-purpose area was used as a gym. The new expansion includes a new full-size gym with bleachers, a stage area with top of the line​ sound and lighting equipment, as well as changing rooms, washroom facilities and space for a cafeteria and kitchen.

"There is a beautiful public foyer which will be a focal point for community gatherings," said  Corbett. "Work is continuing on the cafeteria – it should be opening in December.  Also in the same setting we are, with district support, renovating our old stage area to become the new school library. While work is being done on the interior, there is also excavation outside to create a basketball/wall ball area for students."