Better class of health

Mar 12 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

DICKINSON Dees has advised on a unique Building Schools for the Future scheme worth an estimated £142m.

The deal will see thirteen schools across Gateshead and South Tyneside rebuilt, remodelled or refurbished over the next four years.

This is the first scheme of its kind in the UK as it involves three procuring authorities – one of which is a Primary Care Trust. In this unique move, South Tyneside Council and Gateshead Council and South Tyneside Primary Care Trust will work together to improve schools across their regions while the private sector partner will also deliver a new health centre for the Primary Care Trust.

Newcastle-based law firm Dickinson Dees LLP provided legal counsel across the board for the partnering arrangement. Expertise was drawn from the property, construction, banking and corporate practice areas in addition to the firm’s projects team, led by partner Tim Care.

“It is a privilege to be involved in such a pioneering scheme,” said Tim, a partner at Dickinson Dees.

“The joining together of three organisations to improve the standard of education across the North East and to provide new healthcare facilities should be applauded.”