Work begins on new middle school in Florence, S.C.

Florence (S.C.) School District One has begun construction of a new Southside Middle School.

The Florence Morning News reports that the $33 million facility will accommodate about 1,100 students when it opens in 2020.

The existing Southside Middle is more than 50 years old.

"I think the students are definitely going to be pleased with the new enhancements that are going to take place because of this design,” says Southside Principal Craig Washington.

The new facility will include science labs and collaborative learning spaces.

The construction is a part of phase two of the district’s building facilities plan.

The architect is Goforth Brown and Associates.