Bouygues UK signs £240m BSF schools contract

Bouygues UK has inked a contract on a £240m BSF programme for Tower Hamlets. It is the 28th BSF agreement to be signed.

The 10-year contract is to transform 18 schools. It is Bouygues' third win, following partnerships with Waltham Forest and Westminster.

Work in the council will start on St Paul's Way Community School, which is to be rebuilt, and Bethnal Green Technology College will be part rebuilt and part refurbished.

Tim Byles, chief executive of Partnerships for Schools said the agreement demonstrated that BSF was progressing despite the credit crunch:

“Reaching financial close is a significant milestone for Tower Hamlet's BSF project because it marks the start of very important phase - the construction of new and remodelled schools which will change the face of education in the borough and the life chances of its young people.”

Clair Hawkins, lead member for children's services at Tower Hamlets council said he hoped the programme would improve children's performance:

“BSF is going to completely transform education in Tower Hamlets, and our residents can look forward to seeing some fantastic new facilities in the very near future.

Arnaud Bekaert, commercial and technical director for Bouygues UK said the firm was “committed” to BSF:

“Being selected to partner with Tower Hamlets on the borough's BSF programme is a fantastic achievement for Bouygues UK and we are confident that this will have a major impact on pupil attitudes, behaviour and attainment.”