BANKS based in Japan and Belgium are among 11 bidders wanting to finance Bolton's first privately-built school.

The council has been taken aback by the level of interest in the £11 million Castle Hill complex in Tonge Moor, which also includes a library, sports facilities and "cybercafe" with Internet access.

The complex will be the first example in Bolton of a project created through the Government's private finance initiative -- meaning developers will pay for the building which the authority will then buy back over 25 years.

But while some schemes nationally have struggled to attract interest, Bolton Council officers say they are ideally placed to draw up a strong shortlist of the four best bidders next month.

No details of submissions are being officially released, but project leader Iain Gammack confirmed the project was firmly on track.

He said: "We have had an excellent response. It's fair to say that it's more than we anticipated.

"There are a number of particularly good quality bids."

It has emerged that Tonge Moor library, which is to move across Tonge Moor Road to Castle Hill, will incorporate an Internet cafe -- one of the first in Bolton.

Mr Gammack said: "It will be in a corner of the library and have a relaxing atmosphere. It's all part of the drive to make the community of Castle Hill and Tonge Moor more literate and proficient in information technology."

The Government has pledged to contribute £9.5 million towards the cost of the project, with the council raising extra revenue by selling off two lucrative sites on Chorley New Road to developers.

Staff from Thomasson House Training Centre and the youth services headquarters at New Overdale will transfer to the Castle Hill complex. CASTLE HILL

TIMETABLE September 2000: Expressions of interest received from would-be developers

October 2000: Shortlist of four revealed

Christmas 2000: Shortlisted bidders make their final submissions

January 2001: Consultations with complex users and ward councillors

March 2001: Final announcement of preferred bidder

June 2001: Contracts signed

July 2001: Target date for work to start

September 2002: Target date for work to finish Part of the Castle Hill site which will make way for the new building REEBOK STADIUM PUTS TOWN IN PREMIER LEAGUE OF TOURISM: P38