Balfour, Skanska, Costain and Laing O'Rourke take Thameslink contracts

Network Rail has named four preferred contractors to deliver track and station upgrades at three sites in a £27m package of work in London. 

Balfour Beatty is preferred bidder on a £15m job to set firm target costs and timelines for a revamped Blackfriars Station to accommodate 12-car trains. The new station will span the River Thames and provide an entrance on the South Bank for the first time.

Meanwhile Skanska has bagged a £1.7m contract in Borough Market to do a range of minor works that will include providing a new temporary market hall to house stalls that will be relocated during construction at London Bridge station in 2009.

Finally a joint venture between Costain and Laing O'Rourke will extend National Rail platforms, build new entrances and construction expanded concourse space at Farringdon station in a £10.3m.