Stepnell pitches for £10m PFI school

Rugby-based contractor Stepnell has entered the PFI arena for the first time as one of three bidders pitching for a £10m schools project in Herefordshire.

The district council project involves building the Whitecross High School for 900 students.

Also on the register are Japanese firm Kajima and Ballast, which as usual has teamed up with King Sturge.

It is understood the council wants to go straight to preferred bidder stage and that is pencilled in for October or November this year.

A start on site is due next spring for completion in August 2005. The maintenance and operation concession will run for either 25 or 30 years.