Mace looks favourite for Islington school project

Two academy school projects in London, worth around 55m together, have taken significant steps forward.
Mace has almost got both feet in the door for a controversial 30m academy schools project in Islington.

And in Hackney, four firms will fight it out for the 25m Bridge Academy deal. Mace has clinched the
first stage of a two-stage tender process for the St Mary Magdalene Academy deal at Liverpool Road, Islington.

A source said: "In theory, another contractor could still be chosen in preference to Mace to carry out the work. But in practice, how often does that happen?"

Enabling works have already begun on site, with the main contract due to kick off next March.

Earlier this year, pupils' parents reacted with fury at the plans to demolish the existing St Mary Magdalene primary school to make way for the new academy. However, most of the anger now seems to have died down.

The new academy, due for completion by July 2007, will span around 11,000m2 and cater for about 1,400 pupils.

The academy, sponsored by the Church of England through the London Diocesan Board for Schools, will specialise in subjects oriented towards religion and culture.

Among the other firms that sent in bids for the scheme were Costain, Norwest Holst and ISG Interior/Exterior.

Meanwhile, London contractor William Verry will square up to Norwest Holst, Galliford Try, and Shepherd for the Bridge Academy.

A winner is expected to emerge within the next three months, with work on site starting early next year and running for around 20 months.

The academy, spanning around 10,000m2, will be built on the site of the existing Laburnum Primary School, and will include sports and performance halls, a multi-use games area, plus underground car park.