The Belfast Education and Library Board and AmeyFMP have signed a major strategic partnering agreement that will see the construction of seven new schools.

The contract is an integral part of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland which sets out a long-term view of planned investment, approaching £20bn, over the next decade to improve the schools, roads, water, waste, health and office infrastructure.

The AmeyFMP consortium, led by support services provider Amey, includes three leading Northern Ireland construction companies - Farrans, H&J Martin, Patton Construction - and three leading local architectural firms.

The initiative will see the launch of a new long term partnership to refurbish or rebuild many of the schools, libraries and youth clubs in Belfast that are currently managed by BELB, to a value of up to £400 million.

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"The first phase of the Strategic Partnership will deliver modern accommodation and facilities management services, provided by Amey, for four post primary schools, one primary school and two nursery schools," said BELB Chief Executive David Cargo.

Jim Rodgers, Chairperson of the BELB, said the strategic partnering agreement will play a major part in the regeneration of Belfast.

"We have always endeavoured to provide, not only the very best education, but best facilities for every child in the City of Belfast. There will be seven new schools being built in Belfast at the same time, and as we look forward to the completion of this project I have no doubt that the children, parents and staff will be delighted with the quality of these fantastic new centres of learning."

Strategic Investment Board Limited (SIB) have worked with BELB and AmeyFMP to help reach this stage. SIB Chief Executive, David Gavaghan, added that this partnership represents the largest education accommodation programme in Northern Ireland and emphasised the long-term benefits.

"Securing a long term relationship offers good value for money and enables a flexible approach as circumstances change over time. It also provides opportunities for our major contractors and will create a lasting and vibrant skills set," he said.

(VB/JM)