Work began this week to demolish the building in Castillo which housed the Church and former nursery school. The old building is to make way for a brand new construction which will house the Church, a new nursery school and various rooms for community use.

The head of Manilva's Department of Education and Culture, Francisco Miguel Alvarez, was present to witness the commencement of the project which he forecast would be completed in the spring of next year.

Councillor Alvarez informed us that the new nursery school facilities, will compliment those already existing in Manilva and Sabinillas, and that in the past two years, the number of nursery places available has risen from 80 to 200.

It was initially planned to refurbish the existing premises, but preliminary works uncovered major faults in the building, and it was decided, after consultations with the Malaga Bishopric, to demolish the building and construct anew.

The architect, Jorge Chacón, has designed a building on two floors, totalling 550 square metres - 170 for the Church, 100 for the community rooms, and the rest being devoted to the nursery school, which will have four classrooms, each with a capacity of 15 children.

The design is Spanish Colonial, with a white façade, and a porch at the front of the building to protect worshippers from the elements. There will be a recreation area constructed alongside the building.

The work, which is being carried by the construction company Apacons, has a budget of 722,391 euros is expected to be completed in the first half of next year.

In the meantime, Sunday Mass will be celebrated in the neighbouring Castle.