Shortlists out for Sandwell and N Lincs BSF deals

Balfour Beatty, Interserve and VT Group are in the race for the £425m Sandwell Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme.

The three shortlisted bidders will now work up sample designs for the Wave Three scheme, which aims to rebuild or remodel Sandwell's 18 secondary schools. Three new Academies are also planned.

Bidders could also get a slice of Sandwell's £5bn regeneration programme, which the council aims to link to its BSF scheme.

North Lincolnshire Council has also chosen the shortlist for its £220m Wave Three BSF scheme. The final three are Clugston Construction, Sewell Group and May Gurney. The scheme, worth £80m in the first phase, will rebuild or remodel seven new schools. The preferred bidder will be announced in the autumn.

Interserve has also thrown its hat in the ring for the Salford City Council BSF scheme. The council's long list also includes Sir Robert McAlpine, Laing O'Rourke and Land Securities Trillium.

The shortlisted bidders will be chosen by February. Salford's scheme, worth £150m in the first phase, also includes £120m of social housing.