Hull’s £400m schools project shortlisted for International Award

The multi-million pound redevelopment project of Hull’s entire school estate has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award.

The Hull Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme has been shortlisted in the annual Partnership Awards – which celebrates the work completed by public-private partnerships from across the globe.

The £123m project which has created the likes of Thomas Ferens Academy, Malet Lambert School and Endike Primary School has been declared one of the best in the world.

The scheme, which is being delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium on behalf of Hull City Council, faces stiff competition against projects from afar afield as Italy, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the Best Accommodation Category.

Cllr Helen O’Mullane, portfolio holder for the children’s services and the BSF programme, said: ‘This is a truly fantastic achievement and a wonderful accolade to add to the glowing endorsements our new schools are receiving from students, staff and the wider community.

“I am delighted that the project has been recognised by the Partnership Awards; an event that is the biggest and most prestigious in the partnerships industry calendar, bringing together the key decision-makers from the public and private sectors

“Judged by the most respected names in PPP, these Awards are recognised as the highest accolade available to the industry.

“I feel very proud of what has been achieved so far; we can all look forward to a brighter future for our young people who will be spending their school years in one of these inspirational learning environments.”

The BSF programme was funded by Hull City Council and is being delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium – which is made up of Sewell Group, Morgan Sindall, and Robertson Facilities Management.

The consortium has been responsible for creating 17 of the city’s new schools, but it is the Phase 1 section of the development
which has been shortlisted.

Phase 1 saw the rebuilding of Thomas Ferens Academy, Malet Lambert School, Endike Primary School, Andrew Marvell College, Kingswood Academy and Oakfield Special School totalling £123m.

Sam Whitaker, chief executive of Hull Esteem Consortium, said: “At the outset of this project we spoke with all confidence of delivering world-class facilities for thousands of youngsters from across the city for several generations.

“We knew the money available presented us with a massive opportunity to make a staggering difference on a world-wide stage – being shortlisted for this award goes some way to justifying everyone’s ambitions, everyone’s hopes and everyone’s commitment and dedication to the last few years.”

The winners of the Partnerships Awards will be announced at the Awards dinner on 23 May 2013 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.