Willmott Dixon is tipped to win Middlesbrough BSF scheme

Willmott Dixon is tipped to win Middlesbrough's £100m Building Schools for the Future scheme, raising questions about rival Laing O'Rourke's poor hit rate under the BSF National Academies framework agreement.

A source told CJ: "Laing O'Rourke threw all they had at this scheme. It is in their territory. They have a strong presence in the area. They just don't seem to be able to crack BSF like they have ProCure21."

Laing O'Rourke is lagging behind the BSF Academies framework pack along with Skanska, with both firms failing to win work so far. Balfour Beatty leads the pack having won three deals so far.If Willmott Dixon clinches Middlesbrough it will move into second place in the BSF Academies framework league table, overtaking Carillion. (See Box)

This is the second BSF scheme to be delivered under the Partnerships for Schools National Academies framework deal, following closely on the heels of Sunderland's £110m scheme. The scheme will see eight schools delivered over 15 years.

The winning bidder will begin phase one with the delivery of two new schools - Acklam Grange and Ormsby school. A further six schools will be either rebuilt or remodeled under the contract.

As CJ went to press Laing O'Rourke was unavailable for comment.

BSF academies: How much have they won?

Balfour Beatty: £155m

Carillion: £60m

Kier: £35m

Willmott Dixon: £30m

Skanska: £0

Laing O'Rourke: £0

(Total confirmed contract wins)