Five compete for university sports complex

Five firms are swotting up for a £25m deal for the University of Surrey in Guildford.

Hoping to graduate onto phase one of the sports complex project are Kier, Bluestone, Haymills, Gleeson Building and Leadbitter.

A source said: "This is an interesting scheme for a lovely client - whoever wins this one will be getting the champagne out.

"It could be that Leadbitter has a head start because it recently won a contract to deliver new student accommodation for the university."

The client is expected to announce the victor of the two-stage tender contest next month. Work on site is due to kick off next April for completion during October 2009.

The project includes three sports halls, eight squash and tennis courts, a 50m indoor swimming pool, two all-weather pitches plus a health and fitness suite. Phase two of the project is expected to feature a tennis centre and access roads.