Norwest and Galliford close in on SE schools projects

Significant developments have taken place on two schools deals in the South East totalling £70m-plus.

In the first tranche of work, Norwest Holst has beaten off four rivals to register a £40.7m hit at the Luton Sixth Form College.

Work on site is programmed to start in August, with completion due in August 2010 - in time for the start of the September 2010 term.

The design and build scheme, procured under the two-stage tender process, centres on the redevelopment of the college's Bradgers Hill Road campus.

The project involves a new facility, spanning around 15,800m2, including classrooms, offices and a refectory.

The present school, of approximately 13,000m2, will be demolished and playing fields reconfigured.

In awarding the contract, the college gave greatest priority to "relevant experience" in the sector.

Five other considerations, including price, were given a 10% weighting each, while health and safety issues was given a 15% priority.

And after nearly a year of negotiations with client Ark Schools, Galliford Try is on the brink of tying up a £30m deal in south London.

The firm is due to start work this week on demolishing a former Lambeth Council depot and clearing land to make way for the new Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton.

An insider said: "The fact that Galliford is carrying out the demolition job makes it almost certain that the firm will undertake the main works."

The 18-month design and build, two-stage tender scheme centres on a secondary school for 1,200 pupils.

The scheme includes classrooms, a sports hall, offices, a library and all-weather sports pitches.