Kier appointed on £50m Berwick Academy job
The contractor was chosen as preferred bidder following a two-stage tender process that began in December, with a planning application set to be submitted in May.
The scheme will involve the construction of replacement school buildings on the existing site, including a new SEND unit, hockey pitch, and a 3G sports facility.
Once complete, the existing facilities will be demolished.
Construction is expected to begin towards the end of 2026 and take around two years before opening for the academic year in 2028.
The project, which was given the green light at a council meeting at the end of September last year, has been hit by budget concerns.
As well as the £50m build costs, which have been approved by Northumberland Council, the Department for Education was asked to provide £13m towards the scheme, but refused.
Glen Sanderson, leader of the council, has now written again to the Education Secretary.
He said: “The current school buildings have reached the end of their useful working life. I have written to the Secretary of State calling for the government to support this project financially with £13m, which would have been needed in repairs before the decision was taken for a rebuild.”
Steve Lynn, operations director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be appointed as preferred bidder to deliver the new Berwick Academy and to be working in partnership with Northumberland County Council on such an important investment in the region’s young people.
“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting journey to create a modern, inspiring learning environment that will support students, staff and the wider community for generations.”
