Amey lead team selected as preferred bidder at 10-year Schools for the Future programme.

Amey, Costain and HSBC have been named as preferred bidder in a 10-year, £400m Building Schools for the Future programme in Bradford.

Amey led the formation of the Integrated Bradford consortium with HSBC Infrastructure Fund Management and a construction joint venture of Costain, Ferrovial Agroman and Sun Microsystems.

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

Bradford is the UK’s second authority to announce its preferred bidder, and is one of four Pathfinder local authorities that is trialling the BSF programme.

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

Phase two of the scheme will bring refurbishments to three more schools and the construction of secondary special schools alongside all three.

Andrew Wyllie, Costain chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be Preferred Bidder on this prestigious contract.

“Bradford is only the second Local Authority in the UK to appoint a BSF private sector partner, and following our contract wins towards the end of last year in Ealing and Kent is a testament to our growing presence in both the education and PFI sectors.”