Even in the middle of the gloomy economic downturn with recession estimated to be lasting for at least another year its warming to get some good news every now and then.

Catalyst Education, a consortium of construction related businesses that is headed by Bovis Lend Lease and Catalyst Lend Lease have recently secured an incredible contract to rebuild but in most instances renovate all of Birmingham's 89 secondary schools which is a superb contract expected to take at least fifteen years to complete.

his lucrative construction contract is reported to be valued to the tune of £1.2bn, much of which will be distributed amongst local midlands companies. The entire construction industry from builders right through to providers of equipment such as cranes and heavy lifting gear should benefit significantly from the lucrative agreement.

The original funding has been given through the Governments BSF initiative which effectively means Building Schools for the Future. Catalyst Education have been given the contract by Birmingham City Council and the financial amount is reported to be the largest single influx of cash delivered for school improvements for over 50 years.

The very first phase of the improvement and construction project will commence next April and should take at least 12 months to complete as it represents work across a wide selection of Birmingham's schools.

Working alongside the constructors, Birmingham City Council has helped form a Local Education Partnership with them to ensure communications are maintained throughout the project. All the construction companies involved in this exciting project including surrounding support services from lifting gear suppliers to skilled labour requirements will take this announcement as great news for local business.