Jarvis has yet again been appointed preferred bidder for a schools PFI – this time to build 15 new schools and refurbish three others in Liverpool.

The company says the contract represents the largest number of new schools built in one programme under the PFI and that it is the largest new school building programme undertaken ever in the UK.

Fazakerley High School

The total development cost, awarded by the City of Liverpool's Education and Lifelong Learning Service, is some £74m and the whole life value £252m.

Jarvis will build a total of 14 new primary schools and a new secondary school at Fazakerley, accommodating 10,000 pupils. At the same time the former Beatle John Lennon's old school, Calderstones, and the secondary schools at Broadgreen and Shorefields will be refurbished.

A decision was made to mainly build new schools to provide inspirational, modern learning environments which would be more efficient to run. The accommodation will include new teaching and administration amenities, sports facilities and upgraded dining areas. Construction work is due to commence in September this years and will be completed in 2004.

Facilities management will be provided by Jarvis for 25 years, including building and grounds maintenance, caretaking, cleaning, catering and security.

Henry Lafferty, chief executive of Jarvis Accommodation Services, commented: "We are delighted to have been selected as the City of Liverpool's partner for this project which will provide Liverpool with inspirational, modern learning facilities."

Councillor Chris Curry, executive member for resources said: "This is an innovative way of financing major school rebuilding and refurbishing schemes and of course the pupils will be the ones who benefit. The benefits to the communities and schools will be enormous."

Earlier this month, Jarvis was awarded preferred bidder status for an educational PFI by The City of Sunderland (see News story).

www.jarvisplc.com

Jessica Jarlvi