Willmott Dixon has been selected as preferred bidder for the £22 million building contract to create a high quality facility for Bedford Academy, which opened in September on the old John Bunyan Upper School site.

Sponsored by the Bedford Charity (The Harpur Trust) and Bedford College, the academy will specialise in Science and Technology and provide a free education for pupils of all abilities in the catchment area.

David Russell, Chief Executive, The Bedford Charity, said: "We are delighted to be co-sponsoring the academy and working with the College, the local authority and the academy team to provide the best possible educational opportunities for local pupils. Appointing a preferred bidder for the building contract is a significant milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work with Willmott Dixon over the coming months as they develop the plans for the exciting, new academy buildings."

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Willmott Dixon will work with Bond Bryan Architects to develop the final stages of the design with a planning application submitted by the end of November. The council aims to sign the final contract for construction by spring 2011.

The design by Bond Bryan Architects will provide flexibility to enable future expansion to meet long-term education demands throughout the building's lifespan.

(CD/GK)