Laing O’Rourke’s latest Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project has received the green light. A £400m investment to rejuvenate and rebuild over 20 schools in Salford and Wigan was been cemented with the signing of financial closure documents. This milestone marks the third major BSF project award for Laing O’Rourke in 2009.
The Transformational Learning Partnership (TLP) consortium, which consists of Laing O'Rourke, RM Education and Hochtief, has been charged with designing, building and refurbishing schools across the two authorities. The agreement confirms that Salford and Wigan councils will work with TLP and BSF Investments to deliver the PFI project, and the cross-boundary partnership is the first of its kind in the North West.
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of the Government’s Partnerships for Schools agency, said: “I am delighted that Salford and Wigan have reached financial close - as one of only a handful of joint Local Education Partnerships - reaching this milestone is a testament to the successes of close partnership working. I look forward to charting the progress of these authorities as they work together to deliver 21st century schools for pupils, teachers and local communities.
Cllr John Warmisham, lead member for children’s services at Salford council, said: “Helping our young people build better futures starts with building them better schools in which to learn. We have always said the vision for our schools had to be bold and ambitious and we remain committed to seeing it through. Financial close is the formal signature to that commitment and I am delighted that we are able to guarantee delivery of the first schools.”
Walkden and Irlam & Cadishead schools will form the first phase of the programme, and are anticipated to open in September 2011. Planners approved their designs earlier this year. At Walkden, plans include an atrium for presentations, dining, studying and socialising with a courtyard outside. At Irlam & Cadishead, there will be similar spaces as well a new neighbourhood office with community services. Both schools will be equipped with the latest information technology, internal and external classrooms, and a range of facilities for drama and sports including all weather pitches.
Stephen Beechey, Education Sector Leader said: “We are tremendously proud and excited to have reached Financial Close on the Salford and Wigan BSF programme that will deliver transformation in educational delivery. We have built a strong relationship with the Councils which we are committed to building on for the future long term benefits of the communities of Salford and Wigan.”
Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Susan Loudon said: “From the very beginning, we have been committed to making the most of this opportunity and providing a fantastic modern standard of education in world-class facilities for our children and young people. The world is changing rapidly and we have realised that we have to make sure that our children and young people can compete for jobs and opportunities on a global scale and this decision means we really can begin to build schools for the future.”
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