TWO local companies have joined forces for the first stage of a multi-million pound redevelopment of Bishop Auckland College.

International project management and cost consultants Faithful+Gould's Teesside office has been appointed as quantity surveyor for phase one of the £17.3m scheme, whilst Surgo Construction is the contractor on the project.

Part one of the scheme will see the demolition of part of the existing college and the construction of a three-storey college building, and the creation of car parking and landscaped areas.

Gary Marshall, associate director of Faithful+Gould, said: "The project has presented some challenges to our team so we have executed careful project planning which has made it possible for construction work to be carried out at the same time on the college campus, with minimal disruption to students and staff."

The educational facility will be ready next summer, ready for the start of the new academic year, with the remainder of phase one expected to be completed in December the same year.

Joanna Tait, principal and chief executive of the college, said: "This landmark development is the first move towards high quality teaching and learning facilities that will take the College into the 21st Century, serving the educational needs of the communities of South and West Durham."