The contractor’s Inspired Spaces consortium was today named as preferred bidder to rebuild or refurbish 14secondary schools in the Greater Manchester town over the next six years.

The project is set to start on site in January 2010 with the construction of new and refurbished facilities atHollingworth Business and Enterprise College and Siddal Moor Sports College.

Carillion chief executive John McDonough said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as preferred bidder for thismajor investment programme.

“As a leading supplier to the BSF programme we look forward to building a strong and successful relationship withRochdale, its head teachers and their staff, to provide schools and colleges that will enable them to deliver a first-class learning experience, as well as providing high-quality community facilities.”

Tim Byles, chief executive of BSF delivery body Partnerships for Schools added: “Reaching this important milestone isgood news for the national BSF programme and even better news for the school children and communities of theRochdale borough. These transformed learning environments and technology will have an enormous impact oneducation and the life chances of every young person.”

The contract is part of the £55 billion BSF scheme to renew the schools estate by 2023.

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council had delayed the announcement of a preferred bidder from late July. Today’sappointment is subject to formal council and procurement protocols, with contract signature expected in December.