11 September 2012

Costain and its partners have handed over four more secondary schools to the London Borough of Lewisham, as well as a significant new build phase of a fifth school on schedule.  On the first day of the September term pupils were welcomed into their new or refurbished premises.

Costain’s involvement in the successful Building Schools for the Future programme in the borough is now nearing its end. It is currently developing the design of Sydenham Girls’ College, with construction work programmed to start in early 2013.

Three of the latest schools to be handed over, Bonus Pastor Catholic College, Deptford Green and Prendergast Vale College, are brand-new and have been delivered through the Private Finance Initiative by Lewisham Schools for the Future, a consortium that includes Costain and Babcock International.  Design and construction was undertaken by Costain, whilst the facilities management and ICT services are being provided by Babcock. Together, the schools provide modern, purpose-built accommodation for 2050 pupils.

Costain, as design and build contractor, has also completed Addey & Stanhope School, and a further two phases of Prendergast Hilly Fields College. These have both new-build and refurbished elements and are welcoming 1420 pupils into the new facilities.

As the pupils move in, Phase II work at the four sites will continue, to redevelop old buildings or demolish them in order to provide playing fields or multi-games areas.

The Lewisham Schools for the Future Local Education Partnership has been working with Lewisham since 2007 to improve and renew the borough’s schools estate. This most recent handover brings the total number of pupils benefitting from new or refurbished schools to 6725.

Alistair Handford, Costain’s Director of Investments, said: "Costain is delighted to have worked with the London Borough of Lewisham to provide a modern and exciting environment for learning for the young people of Lewisham."

 

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