Schal and Bovis fight for BBCjob

Another bidder has played its final part in a dramatic race for the £200m extension and revamp of the BBC's Broadcasting House headquarters in central London.

Insiders say that Mace is the latest contender to fall out of the frame, leaving Schal and Bovis Lend Lease to fight it out.

Last month, the BBC brought the curtain down on Heery and Amec, the two other contenders for the high-profile construction management deal.

A project source said: "The contest couldn't be tighter. There really isn't a cigarette paper between the bids from Schal and Bovis. Both firms are desperately keen to land this one."

As the final run-in hots up, it is understood that both contenders showed the client round showpiece projects which they had overseen - the £500m Treasury revamp in Whitehall in the case of Bovis and the £150m redevelopment of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in the case of Schal.

It is understood that the BBC could decide between the two rivals as early as next week now that Westminster City Council has finally given the scheme the all-clear.

l Bovis Lend Lease and Sir Robert McAlpine are early runners in the hunt to build a £50m digital broadcasting centre for BBC Scotland in Glasgow.

A project source said: "My guess is that the BBC will go for a two-stage design and build job on this one and shortlist at least three contractors to tender for it. The deal could be negotiated, but I doubt it."

The project could be further complicated by the BBC's demands for a new bridge over the River Clyde to give easier access to the Pacific Quay site.