Two new schools for Salford

The first stage of realising the city wide investment in secondary schools in Salford started today as the deal to deliver them was officially signed.
The "financial close" stage for the city’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme means that all of the partners are locked in to an agreement which establishes who are the long-term providers of the programme – and secures building of the first two schools.
Walkden and Irlam and Cadishead schools are both due to open in September 2011, marking completion of the first phase of Salford’s BSF programme.
More new schools are planned to follow in later phases of the programme.
The Schools Adjudicator rejected the council’s proposal to shut St George’s RC High School, a key aspect of the programme to rebuild three other Catholic schools including a new sixth form at St Ambrose Barlow.
The decision has prompted a review of options to ensure the city’s children get the best possible investment in new schools.
Lead member for children’s services at Salford council, Cllr John Warmisham said: "Helping our young people build better futures starts with building them better schools in which to learn.
"We have always said the vision for our schools had to be bold and ambitious and we remain committed to seeing it through.
"Financial close is the formal signature to that commitment and I am delighted that we are able to guarantee delivery of these first two schools."
Today’s agreement confirms that Salford and Wigan councils will work with their private sector partner, the consortium Transformational Learning Partnership, and BSF Investments to deliver the PFI project.
The cross-boundary partnership is the first of its kind in the North West.
The TLP consortium, which consists of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, HOCHTIEF Facility Management, Laing O'Rourke and RM Education, will be charged with designing, building and refurbishing more than 20 new and existing schools across the two authorities.
Tim Byles, chief executive of Partnerships for Schools, the government agency responsible for delivering the BSF programme, said: "I am delighted that Salford and Wigan have reached financial close - as one of only a handful of joint Local Education Partnerships, reaching this milestone is a testament to the successes of the close partnership working between Salford and Wigan so far.
"I look forward to charting the progress of these authorities as they work together to deliver 21st century schools for pupils, teachers and local communities.
"Building Schools for the Future has now achieved 47 Financial Closes over the period of the national programme, demonstrating that work to transform schools across England is moving forward with great momentum."
Wigan council’s cabinet champion for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Susan Loudon said: "From the very beginning we have been committed to making the most of this opportunity and providing a fantastic modern standard of education in world-class facilities for our children and young people.
"The world is changing rapidly and we have realised that we have to make sure that our children and young people can compete for jobs and opportunities on a global scale and today’s decision means we really can begin to build schools for the future."
Jane Barber, Chief Executive of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK,said: the financial close of this first phase of the Salford & Wigan BSF project marks a major milestone for ourselves and our partner Laing O’Rourke plc. We have worked closely with both councils to develop a partnership for the delivery of their BSF programme and look forward to cementing that relationship over the coming years.
Salford’s BSF proposal had promised a £182 million investment across all the city’s high schools over the next five years.
Planners approved the designs for Irlam and Cadishead and Walkden in September.
At Walkden they promise an atrium for presentations, dining, studying and socialising with a courtyard outside.
At Irlam and Cadishead there will be similar spaces as well a new neighbourhood office with community services.
Both schools will be equipped with the latest information technology, inside and outside classrooms and a range of facilities for drama and sports including all weather pitches.
The BSF programme aims to boost opportunities in schools for pupils, parents, funding top facilities, transforming teaching and learning and improving the community use of schools.
It is primarily funded by central government with contributions from Salford City Council.