HBG tipped to win £130m King's Cross regen work

Industry insiders say that HBG looks set to pounce on a high-profile package of work in north London in the aftermath of a mini-tender shoot-out.

Carillion was the only other firm to price the £130m deal, which is part of the first phase of the £2bn-plus plan to redevelop 27ha of the King's Cross Central area.

Developer Argent also has Kier on board as the third contractor to work on the massive King's Cross regeneration project. But it understood the firm did not join the fray for the £130m deal, which goes under the banner of the Eastern Goods Yard scheme.

One source said: "The official award of the job is still some days off, but at this stage, things are looking good for HBG."

The project's centrepiece is the construction of the University of the Arts, a new complex that is expected to cover around 40,000m2.

Also featured in the works will be a new public square, the renovation of the West Transit Shed and the refurbishment of a Victorian goods area known as the Handyside canopy.

A start on site on the university project is expected during the first quarter of 2008. Completion is expected within 30 months.

The full-blown King's Cross scheme includes up to 490,000m2 of office space, around 1,900 new homes, with up to 49,500m2 of space to include hotels, student accommodation, leisure and health projects.

Also in the mix are new streets, public spaces, three new bridges and enhancements to the Regent's Canal.