A consortium of Mouchel Parkman and Babcock Education has been named preferred bidder on a 拢167m school building scheme in Hackney, east London, beating competition from Bouygues.

Six secondary schools will be built and four special needs schools rebuilt or remodelled as part of the government鈥檚 黑洞社区 Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Financial close is expected by spring next year.

Meanwhile, a Carillion joint-venture has been appointed preferred bidder for the 拢175m South Tyneside and Gateshead BSF contract. It will deliver 14 secondary schools, primarily through new build with some refurbishment, and provide healthcare facilities.