Five chase £17m education deal in Newcastle

Five firms are hoping to graduate onto a £15m to £17m education deal in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The line-up for the University's Transport House Project is Sir Robert McAlpine, Laing O'Rourke, HBG, Amec and Miller Construction.

The job includes demolishing existing buildings and then constructing a laboratory complex and offices linked to a refurbished Grade II-listed building.

The winner of the two-stage contest should be known in October, with work starting on site next spring.

The completion deadline is autumn 2009.