Consortium wins 27-year PFI contract to build and operate seven schools in Leeds
A consortium comprising construction and support services group John Mowlem and Bank of Scotland Private Equity has won a £150m, 27-year, PFI contract to build and operate seven schools for Leeds City Council.

Over the contract period the consortium will be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of five primary schools and two secondary schools. It will also take control of support services, including cleaning and catering.

The seven schools are: Hill Top infant school; New Morley primary school; Oakwood primary; Spring Bank, Headingley; Upper Wortley; Lawnswood; and Roundhay.

Roundhay school will be largely rebuilt and completed in phases, ensuring that the main facade and the mansion block are retained. All construction work is due for completion by January 2004.

Staff already working in these areas will be given the option to transfer across to the consortium under Tupe, when the construction work has been completed.

Leader of Leeds City Council, councillor Brian Walker said that the deal is probably the biggest and 'most involved contract negotiation' undertaken by the council.

The capital cost of the project is estimated at £37m, the remaining £113m will pay for the operation and maintenance of the seven schools over the life of the contract.