The University of Manchester has appointed three contractors to deliver the majority of the school's £1 billion capital programme.

Balfour Beatty, Laing O'Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine secured the contract via a partnership framework agreement.

The union will deliver projects in excess of £10 million over the next eight years.

Plans include the £350 million Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD).

The MECD will combine the University's four schools of Engineering into one location while also providing additional teaching and office space.

Further projects on the £1 billion 2012-2022 programme include redeveloping the Manchester Business School to include a new hotel and executive education centre.

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A student residential development has also been proposed in Fallowfield.

Diana Hampson, University Director of Estates and Facilities, said: "This Construction Partnering Framework is probably unique within higher education.

"The scope and scale of the Campus Masterplan requires a huge amount of resource and presents significant delivery challenges. A collaborative, partnership arrangement was therefore vital in ensuring both quality and value.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the three contractors on some landmark developments across our campus."

Balfour Beatty's MD for Northern Major Projects, Jon Adams, said: "We applaud The University of Manchester for their innovative and ground breaking procurement route which enables delivery of best value and we look forward to working collaboratively with them on a framework which will see over £1 billion of new University buildings delivered to create a state-of-the-art campus in Manchester."

Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O’Rourke UK, said: "Laing O’Rourke is delighted to be partnering with The University of Manchester on this significant and transformative programme."

Richard McAlpine, Director, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd said: "We share with the University a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing world class facilities which inspire future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible."

(LM)