Hackney University Technical College becomes first of the Governments 24 new UTC projects

Hemel Hempstead, 2 December 2011 - BAM Construction has been awarded the contract to deliver Hackney University Technical College; London’s first ever UTC. The contractor will refurbish, fit out and extend an existing building as well as creating additional space within the Hackney Community College campus, to create a state-of-the-art facility for the new UTC.

The £2.4 million deal represents the first of 24 UTC projects announced in the Budget earlier this year. The institutions offer 14-19 year olds a specialist course of study designed in partnership with employers, skills sector agencies and universities. Hackney, which will specialise in digital and health technologies, is part of a batch of three schemes procured through Partnerships for Schools’ academies framework.

BAM will commence dialogue with the other two UTCs in the batch – Greenwich and Southwark – early in the New Year.

The contractor will start on site in Hackney in February and will complete in time for UTC’s opening in September 2012. Pupils at secondary schools in the Hackney area will be offered site visits during the construction phase.

BAM frameworks director Keith Rayner said: ‘We are delighted to have secured the first UTC contract through the academies framework. This shows we have understood the unique aims of Hackney UTC and are able to support the college’s development of these aims. We look forward to delivering an outstanding educational facility for the area.’

Annie Blackmore, appointed Head Teacher, added: ‘The Hackney UTC is a really important development for young people in Hackney. BAM was appointed as they clearly demonstrated how they would deliver a state-of-the-art building that would match the high-end technology that the learners will use.’

Further information: Mark Slattery, press and media manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.