Three firms vie for £130m Edinburgh station roof refurb

Three firms are hoping to steam off with a £130m contract to refurbish Edinburgh Waverley railway station.

Balfour Beatty Construction, Carillion and Morgan Ashurst are all understood to be shortlisted for the project, which will involve the replacement of 17,000 glass panels in the station's renowned 34,000m2 Victorian glazed roof.

Clear, strengthened glass will be installed to replace the cloudy, wire safety glass which is currently installed, in the hope of letting more natural light into the station.

The four-year project, which is still awaiting planning approval from the City Council, will also see the installation of an improved cleaning and maintenance system for the roof, as well as a system to capture rain water for use in a future 'grey water' recycling scheme.

Network Rail has also proposed the creation of a new entrance on Market Street, improvements to platforms eight and nine, refurbishment of the station concourse and main building exterior, and the renewal of the station's original ironwork.

Tenders were due back in late August, with an award set for later in the year. Meanwhile work renewing the main roof is set to start in April 2010 and last until autumn 2013. Refurbishment of the main building will start in June 2012 and last until June 2014.

A source close to the project said: "This is one of the most prestigious jobs coming up in Scotland and given its high profile all three will be keen to ensure their name is the one on the award notice."