œ27m Newbury college PFI race

Newbury College has unveiled its plans for a new campus, variously estimated at between œ15-27 million, to be built under the PFI.

The college intends to leave its cramped existing space and move to a new purpose built 16ha campus on a greenfield site on the A34 to the south of the town.

The college is looking for a private sector partner to design, build, finance and operate a core 9,000m2 college facility. It is also keen to have a number of shared- use facilities, including a residential management and development centre, plus sports and leisure facilities.

Separate expressions of interest in the shared facilities are being sought. Shared schemes could include a conference centre, arts and media centre, telecoms training centre, science centre, health and beauty salon and various community projects.

The college has set out a provisional timetable. Prequalification applications are to go in by June 1997.

Invitations to tender will be sent to the shortlist in August and proposals returned in September.

A preferred bidder should be identified in November. Construction will take place between January 1998 and June 1999 and the fit-out between June and August 1999.

The college should open for business on 1 September 1999.