A consortium led by joint venture between Amey and Costain has been named preferred bidder for a 10-year, £400m Building Schools for the Future programme in Bradford.

The Integrated Bradford consortium includes Costain, Amey's Spanish parent Ferrovial Agroman, HSBC Infrastructure Fund Management and Sun Microsystems.

In the first phase of the programme, which will be completed in 2008, the Tong, Buttershaw and Salt secondary schools will be rebuilt.

Bradford is the UK's second authority to announce its preferred bidder, and is one of the four pathfinder local authorities that is trying out the BSF programme.

Mel Ewell, Amey's chief executive, said: "This programme is designed to produce a step change in Bradford's educational facilities, through iconic buildings, and the latest technology and facilities, which are designed for use by the whole community."

Phase two of the scheme will refurbish three more schools and construct special schools alongside them.

Andrew Wyllie, Costain's chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be preferred bidder on this prestigious contract.

"Following our contract wins towards the end of last year in Ealing and Kent, this is a testament to our growing presence in both the education and PFI sectors."