In brief

Skanska's rail telecoms upgrade

Skanska Networks has won a design and build contract worth £18m to upgrade Network Rail's telecommunications network across north Lincolnshire. The one-year deal involves survey and design work, enabling works and cable laying.

Galliford gets £10m Bison factory deal
Galliford Try Construction Central has secured a £10.6m contract with Bison Properties to design and construct a new precast concrete production facility in Swadlincote.The 46-week project should be completed by April 2004.

Allenbuild to build Bolton bus depot
Allenbuild has been appointed by developer Morbaine to construct a new bus depot in Bolton for First Manchester. The £10m contract will last 44 weeks and includes remediation work to be carried out by sister firm VHE.

Mowlem's £79m Devon schools PFI deal
Mowlem has been confirmed as the preferred bidder for Devon County Council's £79m Exeter schools private finance initiative. The scheme involves the construction of five new schools and the refurbishment and remodelling of a sixth.

South Lanarkshire £190m schools PFI
PFI contractors are being invited by South Lanarkshire Council to express interest in bidding for a £190m private finance deal covering a number of secondary schools in the county.

Liverpool seeks social housing partners
The City of Liverpool wants to partner with housing contractors, registered social landlords and developers over three or five years to overhaul its housing. Work will be in four zones: City Centre North; Stanley Park; Wavertree Area; and City Centre South.

Stokoe strengthens Bovis' defence
Bovis Lend Lease has taken on Amey's managing director of defence, John Stokoe, as its defence strategy director. He joined Amey in 1999 after 30 years as an army officer, finishing as deputy commander in chief of Land Command.