A joint venture led by construction company Carillion has been named the preferred bidder for a £192 million contract under the Building Schools for the Future programme in Rochdale.
The firm expects to build or refurbish around 13 schools in the area as part of the Local Education Partnership, which also includes Rochdale Council and finance partner Building Schools for the Future Investments.
Carillion estimates a capital cost of around £180 million for the programme. Private financing, through borrowing and equity, is expected to fund four of the 13 schools.
Construction work will be carried out in three phases over four years, the first of which is expected to begin in January next year.
Carillion chief executive John McDonough said: “We look forward to building a strong and successful relationship with Rochdale, its head teachers and their staff, to provide schools that will enable them to deliver a first-class learning experience for their students, as well as high-quality community facilities.”
The firm expects an investment of £2.4 million in Hollingworth School, which is scheduled to be completed in the first phase.
It also aims to provide facilities management services to the four privately financed schools, generating a revenue of around £12 million over a 25-year period.
