Derry Diocese schools PPP out to tender in Northern Ireland

St Canice's Educational Trust has advertised its Derry Diocese Schools PPP project in Northern Ireland.

The project covers St Mary's College and St Cecilia's College in Derry. The project was originally part of a three schools PPP scheme along with Holy Cross College in Strabane.

Three consortia pitched for the original £34m project, but this was later cancelled. The third school, Holy Cross College, has already been readvertised as a separate £25m PPP project in January this year.

The three consortia shortlisted for the original scheme were re-selected for the Holy Cross project in March. They comprise: Interserve/O'Hare McGovern; Bilfinger Berger/John Graham/Farrans; and Jarvis.

The Trust has not put a price on the St Cecilia and St Mary's scheme. Both colleges will need to provide accommodation for 850 pupils.

St Cecilia's College will be rebuilt on its existing site following the demolition of the original school.

St Mary's College will be relocated to the site of the former Templemore High School in Derry. The existing Templemore High School will be occupied by St Cecilia's College while its new facilities are being built.

The new St Mary's College will be built on the existing playing fields attached to Templemore High School. The vacated St Mary's College site will be redeveloped to provide outdoor sports facilities for St Cecilia's College.

The operation and maintenance period is expected to last for 25 years.

Firms have until 28 May to register their interest in the project.