The Schools Partnership, an AMEC Investments / Barclays Private Equity joint venture, has been selected by Kent County Council as preferred bidder to design, build, finance and operate new secondary and primary schools in Swanscombe, Kent, over a 25-year period.

Total value is over £30 million, with capital works, worth £10 million, covering the design and construction of new buildings, external sports facilities and infrastructure. Financial close is scheduled for September.

Swan Valley Community School, the new secondary school, will open by January 2002. In addition to teaching facilities it will also have sporting, leisure and community facilities, including a sports hall, library, adult education provision and a youth centre. Work on the primary school building will start later this year, for occupation by September 2002.

The KCC contract also includes the provision of cleaning, catering, maintenance and security services for both schools. AMEC recently secured two other contracts to design and build extensions to three schools in the North West.

Anna Lagerkvist