Hundreds of English primary schools will be rebuilt after the government approved building plans worth 拢3.6bn, in the first wave of its Primary Capital programme.

Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, confirmed that more than 1,500 rebuilding and refurbishment projects would begin across 133 local authorities. A further 15 councils will receive advice on how to bring their plans up to speed in three months so funding can be released.

Balls said the investment would help to 鈥渟upport jobs in the construction industry and local businesses, crucial to fitting out the schools鈥�.

The Primary Capital programme will invest 拢7bn to rebuild or refurbish half of all primary schools and primary-age special schools by 2022/23.

Ian Fordham, deputy chief executive of the British Council for School Environments, said the news was a 鈥渃ause for celebration鈥�. But he added: 鈥淭he key is to ensure this money is spent with common sense.鈥�

Meanwhile Balfour Beatty has been chosen for a 拢200m 好色先生TV Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in Southwark, south-east London.

The project will be in three phases and cover 13 school projects across the London borough.

It is also understood that a Laing O鈥橰ourke-led consortium, including architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, BDP, Atkins and Watson Batty, has been appointed preferred bidder on the 拢300m Barnsley BSF scheme, beating HBG.

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