SBC appoints Preferred Bidder for 3 High Schools PPP Project
Monday, March 13 2006
The replacement of three high schools in the Borders came a step closer today when Scottish Borders Council announced that it has chosen Scottish Borders Education Partnership (SBEP) as the preferred bidder for its 3HS Project.
SBEP will finance, design and build three new high schools at Duns, Earlston and Eyemouth and, once open, they will manage and maintain the schools for the next 30 years.
In February the Council agreed to go ahead with the project and to appoint the preferred bidder, once approval was received from the Scottish Executive. The Council also agreed that the project should comprise three new high schools. In Duns, the new school site is opposite the existing high school. In Eyemouth it is proposed that the school will move to Gunsgreen, while at Earlston the preferred site is at Georgefield Farm, although the existing site is still under consideration.
Speaking about the project, Depute Council Leader and the local elected member for Eyemouth & District South, Michael Cook, said, "This exciting and ambitious project with a capital value of around £60m will provide three superb schools with exciting designs and facilities to inspire and motivate generations of pupils to come and the modern facilities that our staff need and deserve. Critically they will also comprise excellent space and facilities for community use. The focus on the widest possible use of the buildings will mean that in addition to enhancing the physical environment, these schools will be the focus of a true partnership between school and the social fabric of life in the three towns."
SBC Education Director, Glenn Rodger said, "I was delighted with the quality of each of the three bids we received. Each of the three bids was extremely strong, but, after a meticulous and consistent evaluation process, SBEP was clearly the lead bidder in an outstanding field. At the end of the day, however, the choice of preferred bidder was unanimous and this was endorsed by the Scottish Executive. SBEP met every aspect of a very detailed specification and translated this into schools of ambition and excellence. Educational and sustainable objectives are at the core of SBEP's bid and the consortium has added value through innovation, flexibility and outstanding environmental features. This represents the very best aspects of PPP."
"A large number of people and organisations have contributed to the development of this project," said SBC Joint Education Spokesperson Councillor Valerie Robson. "We have benefited from tremendous support from the schools, local communities and our staff within the Council's Education, Technical Service and Corporate Resources departments. Everyone associated with this project deserves the warmest congratulations in helping to prepare what I am sure will be three of the finest high schools in Scotland. PPP has, at times, had a bad press, but we have taken steps throughout the project to learn lessons from the mistakes of the early PPP pioneers. I am confident that, in taking this forward, the Council is creating a valuable legacy for the future. Yes, there is a price to pay but it is worth it and thanks to the professionalism of the project team, the price is well within the target range set by the Council last May."
With world-class pedigrees, the partners that comprise SBEP are led by Bilfinger Berger BOT Ltd, the international construction company. The principal building contractor is John Graham. Facilities management services will be provided by Amey Business Services and design of the schools is being taken forward by 3D Architects.
Specific features of SBEP's bid include:
* Innovative educationally driven design solutions - from classrooms to social areas - developed through consultation with
school users
* Highly sustainable and environmentally sound buildings
* Meeting every single aspect of the Council's specification … and in places enhancing this by demonstrating how they can
provide more for the same cost.
* Completion of all three schools by autumn 2008
* Experienced local facilities management (essentially cleaning and maintenance) of the schools
* Flexible and adaptable accommodation
* Robust and deliverable funding and commercial proposals
Lead sponsor for the consortium are Bilfinger Berger BOT. Bruce Dickinson, Bid Director for SBEP, said, "We are delighted to have been selected as Preferred Bidder for this exciting project. With our partners John Graham, Amey and 3D Architects, we have been working closely with the Council and the schools to develop what we believe are outstanding schools. We are now looking forward to continuing this partnership and to turn designs into reality with the new schools opening by August 2008."
The next step for the project team, led by Programme Manager Paul Smith, is to reach final agreement on contract issues. This is likely to take a further three months and, depending upon detailed planning consent, work will begin on site for all three schools later this year.
*At this stage in the project the involvement of schools and communities to finalise design issues and ensure we get the schools we want is critical. Local members and the project team would be very happy to come and talk to any community body, voluntary, public or private group, in Duns, Earlston and Eyemouth and give them the opportunity to participate in this exciting project," concluded Councillor Cook.
To contact the project team and request a briefing and a chance to contribute to this development of the schools, please call Fiona Brydon on 01835 824052 or contact ppp project
*A range of drawings and sites plans for the new school are available in jpeg format. Please contact Leona Bendall or Tracey Graham for copies 01835 826592
* More information on the partners in the winning consortium
o Bilfinger Berger (lead sponsor with a 75% equity stake) is one of the leading global construction groups and is recognised as one of the world's most powerful international construction/investment organisations. In the UK the group is a long-term investor in Public Private Partnerships. The Group is involved in schools' PPP projects in Kent, Mid Bedfordshire and North Wiltshire.
o John Graham (25% equity stake) is a major construction group with a strong track record in both schools public sector projects. Recent contracts include a new school for pupils with Special Needs near Milton Keynes, the Kilsyth Academy, Motherwell, and a major cancer centre in Belfast, completed ahead of programme in December 2005.
o Amey is a leader in the development and acquisition of PPP projects. Recent projects include schools for Renfrewshire
and Bradford.
o 3D Architects have been involved in the education sector and specifically on school PPP projects for the last six years.
Successful school PPP work include projects for Edinburgh, Renfrewshire, Fife, South Lanarkshire and Clackmannanshire.
Unified Solutions.