Salford seeks bidders for £40m PFI schools deal

Salford City Council has issued invitations to the private sector to bid for its £40m grouped schools PFI scheme.

The deal involves the design, rebuilding, financing and maintenance of three existing high schools on their current sites. The schools are: the 1,050-place Buile Hill High School; the 1,350-place Harrop Fold High School; and the 1,050-place Hope High School.

The council has added a further potential attraction to the contract. The winner of the PFI deal may also become the council's agent for future work within the city's schools estae. The council is reserving itself the right to add further PFI work at other schools within the scope of the contract.

The contract period is anticipated to be between 27 to 32 years. Firms have until 23 March 2004 to express their interest in the project.

The scheme is the council's second grouped schools PFI project. Jarvis won the £19m deal to provide three special educational needs schools for Salford in March 2003.