Bringing brighter future to pupils

Jun 11 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

LAW firm Dickinson Dees has enhanced its standing in the national scheme to revamp the UK’s schools by landing advisory work with a North East council.

The Newcastle-based firm, which has an office in Stockton, has been appointed by Stockton Borough Council to provide full legal advice on all aspects of the £150m Building Schools for the Future scheme, which will deliver major improvements in learning across the borough.

The BSF programme dubbed ‘future learning’ will enable the building and renovating of educational facilities across Stockton in two phases with a total of 16 schools set to benefit from the scheme.

Dickinson Dees has a wealth of experience on BSF projects, advising nine local authorities on schemes worth £1.6bn. Led by Kevin Robertson, partner and specialist in BSF projects, the firm’s 20-strong team includes experts in PFI, procurement, banking and construction.

He said: “This project is yet another example of how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver tangible benefits for residents and communities.

“The Stockton scheme will fulfil the council’s vision of creating technology-superior education facilities, giving children the best platform for learning now, and in the foreseeable future.”

Lionel Danby, Stockton Council’s BSF project director, said: “We are pleased to have Dickinson Dees working with us on the scheme.

“The firm’s cross-departmental expertise will prove invaluable in progressing the early stages of the project.

“The depth and breadth of advice offered by the firm highlights its extensive knowledge of BSF schemes and we have the best legal advice available to ensure a brighter future for children and young people in Stockton-on- Tees.”