NEWSBRIEF

hsbc headquarters' building commences

Construction will begin early in 1999 of HSBC Holdings' new 101,200m2 headquarters building, following the finalisation of its contract with Canary Wharf Ltd to acquire a 999-year lease last week. The 41-storey building, designed by Foster and Partners, will be situated to the North-east of One Canada Square at Canary Wharf in London Docklands. Construction will be managed by Canary Wharf Contractors.

kvaerner lands £30m us healthcare jobs

Kvaerner's American subsidiary, Kvaerner Construction Inc, has won healthcare contracts worth more that £30 million, including an £18 million hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi and a £9.7 million assisted living facility in Largo, Florida.

birmingham leisure plaza to start in 1999

Morrison Developments and joint venture partner Property Solutions will begin work early next year on their £60 million Broadway Plaza leisure scheme at Five Ways in Birmingham. Demolition is to begin shortly to make way for the development, which will include 33,000m2 of leisure, retail and residential space, as well as a 24-screen cinema.

education pfi scheme up for grabs

Gloucestershire County Council is to invite expressions of interest next year in a group education PFI scheme involving 25 pre-school centres. The estimated value of services over 25 years is between £50-75 million.

durham issues 2000 scheme invites

The City of Durham will issue invitations this December to pre-qualify for its £18 million new millennium hall project. The scheme comprises a 326-seat theatre and visitor centre, a lifelong learning centre, community resource centre incorporating retail and office areas, along with external works.