Building Schools contract race down to two bidders

The transformation of secondary eduction in Rochdale has moved a step closer after the council whittled down its shortlist of bidders to undertake the Building Schools for the Future programme to the final two.

The bids from Carillion and Galliford Try are still in the race to win the £196 million project, after the AURA Learning Communities bid (which comprised Sir Robert McAlpine as constructors, Robertsons FM as facilities management and Telindus/Core in ICT), was cut from the final shortlist in a 'hard fought' battle.

The Council will choose its preferred bidder by mid-July.

The BSF programme will see the creation of 4 new PFI schools together with the refurbishment/remodelling of the remainder of the borough’s existing secondary and special schools.

Councillor 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. This announcement allows us to move forward positively with the school organisation process.”