Academy bidders poised

FOUR companies are competing for the multi-million-pound contract to build Oldham’s three academies to replace five schools.

Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Kier and Wilmot Dixon will be grilled by council representatives and academy sponsors on Monday.

A shortlist of two bidders will then be announced on October 19. This will be followed by several months of negotiations, with the successful bidder eventually chosen in March, 2010.

The £77 million academies programme is part of Oldham’s £266 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) overhaul.

South Chadderton and Kaskenmoor schools will make way for an academy run by Oasis at Brook Mill, Hollinwood.

Oldham College will sponsor the academy at Orb Mill, Waterhead, which will replace Counthill and Breeze Hill schools. Grange will be replaced by the Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust academy in Royton.

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “All four bidders have a great wealth of experience and expertise. When we interview them next week, we will be setting out our tough criteria and priorities for the scheme.

“To reach the shortlist, the companies will need to produce innovative and state-of-the-art designs as part of a compelling package that will also bring significant local economic benefits and enhance community facilities.”