Five shortlisted for £16m Leicester college

Five contractors have graduated onto the shortlist for a £16m new-build college project in Leicester.

The scheme, at Leicester College's Abbey Park campus, has attracted HBG, Laing O'Rourke, Marriott, Mansell and Norwest Holst.

An insider said: "Maybe HBG has a bit of a head start on this one because it has recently won a contract from the college."

HBG's current deal is a £6.3m extension and alteration scheme on the Freeman's Park campus. The Abbey Park job involves a new five-storey educational complex, spanning 10,750m², and includes lecture rooms and offices.

The contestants have until October to price the deal, with the college expected to award the contract a month later.

Work on site is programmed to start in January 2007, with completion due in 18 months.

[Contract Journal, 30 August 2006, p 8]