News on 19 April 2001
Jarvis has been appointed preferred bidder by The City of Sunderland
to design, build, finance and operate a new City Learning Centre under
a £50m PFI scheme which is among the first to be approved by both
the DfEE and DETR.
Under the contract, Jarvis will provide a range of facilities management
services including building and grounds maintenance, caretaking, cleaning,
catering and security over 25 years.
The 900 pupils at the Centre will occupy a new landmark building at
Sandhill View, which will also provide a schools’ library service
and in-service training. The community will also benefit from a range
of support and leisure facilities in the building as well as a dual-use
library, youth centre, community meeting rooms, creche, multi-use playing
fields, sports hall and swimming pool.
Dr. John Williams, director of education and community services at Sunderland
City Council, said: "The project is much more than the replacement
of an old school - although that has long been wished for! The Centre
will provide opportunities for all ages to access a vast range of educational
and associated services."
Chief executive of Jarvis Accommodation Services, Henry Lafferty, also
commented: "Jarvis' integrated approach to projects such as this
will allow the aspirations of the Sunderland community to be met with
the provision of excellent education facilities and a diverse range
of services for the whole community. Following our recent announcements
in Ireland, Wirral and Kirklees, this contract keeps us at the front
of the education PFI market."
In the last couple of months, Jarvis has won a number of UK school PFIs
(see News story) and Irish schools PPPs (see
News story).
