WATES Construction has been awarded the design and build contract for a £30m education campus in Whitehaven.

The state-of-the art facility will combine St Benedict's and Mayfield schools on one site.

Designs for the campus, on land at St Benedict's School, can now be drawn up, and building work could start in February.

Stefan Hargreaves, for Wates, said: "We are very excited about this. Wates has a wealth of experience of working on projects like this across the Northwest."

Between now and the end of November the firm will be working to develop the designs for the new campus.

This will include consultation with parents, pupils and the community who will be asked for their views on the design and layout of the new schools and sports facilities.

Mr Hargreaves said: "The next 10 weeks are going to be quite intensive. The schools have a 'wish list' of what they'd like. We have to work together and develop designs.

"This particular project has a community aspect to it. We are trying to create something for the community as well."

The final designs will allow the project to move into its next phase, with submission of a planning application expected in mid-December. Based on current timelines the campus could be opening its door to pupils in September 2018.

Tony Shenton, also of Wates, said the firm will be working with local supply chain partners and training providers to generate training and employment opportunities throughout the build programme.

The appointment of Wates by Cumbria County Council has been welcomed by project representatives.

Gillian Temple, Mayfield School headteacher, said: "This announcement marks a significant step towards the provision of our new school. We are looking forward to working with Wates to make our dream become a reality."

The investment in the campus will come from a range of partners including the NDA, Sellafield Ltd, Copeland Council, Copeland Community Fund, and Cumbria County Council.