Laing O'Rourke consortium steps up work on Newham schools programme
Final agreement has been struck between Newham Council, Partnerships for Schools, developer Laing O'Rourke and educational ICT specialist RM. This means detailed planning and budgeting work for the schools can be set in motion. Laing O'Rourke and RM are operating as a consortium and will form a new Local Education Partnership alongside the council and Building Schools for the Future Investments to see the works through.
During the next decade, Little Ilford, Lister, Rokeby and Stratford schools will be rebuilt, Rokeby and Stratford schools on new sites
Brampton Manor, Eastlea, Forest Gate, Langdon, Plashet, Royal Docks, St Angela's, St Bonaventure's and Sarah Bonnell schools will be remodelled and refurbished.
The funding for Newham's multi-million pound revamp to its secondary schools has come from the Government's Department for Children, Schools and Families.
When the construction and improvement works are complete, schools will become centres of the community, and will be available for use by a number of social groups in their neighbourhoods including community sports facilities.
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, the organisation responsible for delivery of the BSF programme nationwide, said: "Reaching financial close is a significant milestone for Newham's BSF project because it marks the start of a very important phase - the construction of new and remodelled schools which will change the face of education in the borough.
"At its heart, BSF is about transforming education and improving the life chances of young people and I look forward to seeing the difference that it makes in Newham."
Laing O'Rourke's Chief Operating Officer, Tony Douglas, welcomed the agreement as "further testimony to the importance of working in partnership with like-minded, professional organisations sharing a common goal.
"We very much welcome the opportunity to enable the transformation of Newham's educational landscape and look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in delivering this exciting challenge."
