Work has started on the £80m Inverclyde PPP Schools Project just two days after financial close was reached.

With the ink barely dry on the documents, Miller Construction UK, the main contractor for the schools was on site and ready to begin works, which will see the delivery of two secondary and two primary schools providing state-of-the-art learning facilities.

In addition to being the main contractor, Miller is also the main stakeholder in the e4i (Education for Inverclyde) consortium, who will design, construct, finance and operate the four new schools.

Brian McQuade, Joint Managing Director, Miller Construction, said: "We are delighted to have commenced work at Inverclyde. The contracts were finalised on Friday and we were able to mobilise our construction teams immediately in order to start works on this significant project.

"Our PPP team, led by Finance Director, Alan Scott, has been working closely with Inverclyde Council to bring this deal to financial close and we now look forward to providing them with iconic learning establishments which will benefit the local community for many years to come. With a successful track record in the delivery of educational facilities across the UK, we are confident that the Inverclyde Schools project will raise the bar for future schools in Scotland."

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Councillor Iain McKenzie, Inverclyde Council’s education convener, said: "It is great news that work has been able to begin on site so quickly - it's another big step towards the provision of four modern, state-of-the-art schools that are fit for the 21st century. Our children deserve to learn in progressive, inspiring buildings that genuinely meet their needs.

"The PPP project will play a major role in matching our school buildings with our outstanding achievements in education in Inverclyde. I firmly believe with this investment, education will play a leading role in the regeneration of our communities."

Phil McVey, Director, e4i, commented: "To reach financial close on a project and then start on site within 72 hours is a great achievement. There was some uncertainty surrounding the project in light of the recent economic situation and we are all pleased to see the first spade enter the ground today to signify works are underway.

"These schools are not only vital for the continued prosperity of Inverclyde in terms of providing first class education facilities and benefits for the local economy, but will also be beneficial to the environment. We have been working closely with the Carbon Trust and aim to achieve schools that will have a carbon footprint of 30 per cent less than conventional schools."

Completion of the primary schools is expected early 2010, and work on the secondary schools will commence in summer 2009, with completion expected in spring 2011.

(GK/JM)