Shortlist revealed for Rochdale’s £200m schools programme

Rochdale Council has announced a shortlist of three bidders to undertake its £200m Building Schools for the Future programme.

The BSF programme will see the creation of four new schools together with the refurbishment and remodelling of the remainder of the borough's existing secondary and special schools.

The shortlist of bidders includes:

• AURA Learning Communities – Sir Robert McAlpine (Construction), Robertsons FM (Facilities Management), Telindus/Core (ICT)
• Galliford Try/Equitix – Galliford Try (Construction), Galliford Try FM (Facilities Management), RM (ICT)
• Inspired Spaces – Carillion (Construction, FM and ICT) with support from Ramsey's (ICT Partner)

Following the selection of the preferred bidder, work is anticipated to start in January 2010 at Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College, Milnrow and Siddal Moor Sports College, Heywood.

Cllr Irene Davidson, cabinet member for children, schools and families, said: "Building Schools for the Future will transform the way we educate our young people. It is an exciting opportunity to give young people access to a world class education system and the best possible environments for learning, allowing them to reach even higher levels of achievement."