Countdown starts for academies

OLDHAM’S multi-million pound academies are a step closer as the countdown to their opening begins.

The council has launched the bidding process to build the three schools which will be run by sponsors — and a number of tenders are expected.

The scheme will lead to South Chadderton and Kaskenmoor schools being replaced by an academy run by Oasis Community Learning at the Brook Mill site, Hollinwood.

Counthill and Breeze Hill make way for an Oldham College-sponsored academy at the former Orb Mill site, Waterhead.

Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust will sponsor the academy which will replace Grange School in Royton.

The academies will open in the existing school buildings next year before moving to the new sites in 2012-13.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young People and Families, said: “Issuing our preliminary initiation to tender is the first step in delivering our ambitious and transformational academies programme.

“Interest in our plans is already high and we expect to receive a number of bids. We are looking for innovative designs, state-of-the-art facilities and clear proposals that will deliver local economic benefits and better community cohesion.”

Oldham’s academies will be built under the National Academies Framework which has experience in developing such projects. Six companies are included in this framework: Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Wilmott Dixon, Kier, Skanska, and Laing O’Rourke.

The preliminary initiation to tender was issued to these companies on Monday ahead of a September 25 closing date.

A shortlist of two will be drawn-up with the chosen bidder announced next March.