Willmott Dixon is in line to create the £23m new premises for Passmores Secondary School and Technology College in Harlow after being appointed by Essex County Council as main contractor.

Willmott Dixon, working with architect Jestico + Whiles and consulting engineer Faber Maunsell, was chosen as the successful bidder ahead of stiff competition via the Smarte East framework.

Lord Hanningfield, Leader of Essex County Council, said: "This is a project which will deliver state of the art buildings and create an inspirational environment in which to learn.

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"Willmott Dixon submitted an exceptional bid and the company’s experience on similar projects was also a key factor."

The project will see Passmores relocated to the site of the former Brays Grove School, which closed in the summer of 2008. The new buildings will be ready to welcome students from September 2011.

Willmott Dixon will submit a planning application in Summer 2009 and hopes to be on site by autumn. The company will also begin detailed discussions with stakeholders including the school's staff, governors and the local community. The council has also commissioned the Sorrell Foundation to undertake consultations with pupils about their vision for the new school buildings. Their feedback will be incorporated into the design.

(CD/JM)