A £60.6m PFI deal has been finalised that will see three Lewisham schools rebuilt.
The Grouped Schools PFI contract was signed last week between Lewisham Council and Bouygues Education (Lewisham) Ltd.
A first for Lewisham schools, this agreement will see attractive and purpose-built 21st century education facilities provided in the borough to further improve rising standards in our schools.
Building work has already started on Crofton and Forest Hill secondary schools and Greenvale special school to ensure completion dates are met.
Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: 'Being able to rebuild three of the borough’s schools is an exceptional achievement and will bring top quality facilities to Lewisham.
'I am proud that the pupils at Crofton, Forest Hill and Greenvale will be taught in some of the newest and best schools in the country.
'This shows Lewisham’s commitment to education is not just about raising standards, but is about providing brilliant facilities in which our staff and pupils can excel.'
The PFI deal, using £60.6m of Government money, will see Bouygues Education (Lewisham) Ltd design, build, fund and operate the facilities of the three schools. The contract is for 30 years during which time Bouygues Education (Lewisham) Ltd will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the modernised school facilities.
This will substantially reduce the time school staff will need to spend on building related issues and will enable as much focus as possible on teaching and learning.
At the end of the contract the school facilities will transfer back to the responsibility of the Council.
Councillor Robert Massey, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: 'Having top class schools encourages top class teaching and helps produce top class pupils.
'These three schools are just the start of a larger programme to rebuild or refurbish all the borough's secondary schools to give our young people the best education possible.
'Exciting times are ahead for schools in Lewisham and it’s good to see the work underway.'
Bouygues Education (Lewisham) comprises Bouygues UK, Ecovert FM and HSBC Infrastructure.
'Bouygues UK and Ecovert FM are really proud to be part of Lewisham’s exciting Education Transformation Agenda.
'It is thrilling to design schools that will contribute to improve the education infrastructure in Lewisham as well as serving the local community', says Mikel Berrebi, Project Director.
'We look forward to building further on our excellent relationship with Lewisham, the schools and the community in the next stages of this project.'