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F + A settles in at number two with 32 contracts worth £897m, but now it faces a threat from EC Harris, which is in third place with £814m. Cyril Sweett, Turner & Townsend and Northcroft jostle for position

A John Lewis scheme has added to Cyril Sweett’s haul of contracts for the year to date. The firm is acting as QS on the construction of a 230,000 sq ft store in the northern quarter development of Portsmouth city centre, worth a total of £350m. The main contractor is Centros Miller and the architect is Chapman Taylor. Partly located on the site of the former Tricorn Shopping Centre, the northern quarter is a mixed-use scheme, developed by Centros Miller in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2010.

Recent contract wins for Turner & Townsend include a role on a £35m high-tech research centre. The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine has been designed in the form of a cell by architect Sheppard Robson. The centre, located on the Royal Infirmary and University’s Little France campus, aims to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of debilitating diseases through stem cell research. The wings consist of a laboratory space, testing area and stem cell research area. The design team includes structural and service engineer Buro Happold and landscape architect Ian White Associates

Among Northcroft’s key QS jobs is the Foster-designed revamp of St Paul’s Church, Onslow Square, Chelsea. The Grade II-listed building is used as an administrative centre by Holy Trinity Brompton. The interior is to be remodelled and a crypt will be created at basement level. Work will start in April 2007. The team will include structural engineer Arup.