好色先生TV

Laing O鈥橰ourke has beaten rivals Multiplex and Sir Robert McAlpine to be named the preferred contractor for Hammerson and Standard Life Investment鈥檚 拢1.4bn redevelopment of Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

The firm has been appointed under a pre-construction services agreement for the main construction works, which have an overall value of 拢700m.

好色先生TV revealed in June that the three contractors had been shortlisted for the scheme, which will see the shopping centre double in size to 2 million ft2.

Detailed plans for the scheme designed by Callison RTKL and Chapman Taylor have been reccomended for approval by Barnet council, which will make its decision on Wednesday. Outline planning consent was secured in 2010.

Hammerson and its joint venture partner Standard Life Investment expect to appoint a contractor for the infrastructure works next year prior to starting on site, subject to detailed planning approval.

The plans aim to create up to 150 new retail stores, 50 restaurants, a cinema complex, hotel accommodation and improved public spaces including a new town square, as well as a relocated and enlarged bus station.

Robin Dobson, director of retail development at Hammerson, said: 鈥淟aing O鈥橰ourke has a successful track record in delivering major retail and leisure projects. This appointment is an important milestone in the transformation of Brent Cross London and our plans to deliver a world-class retail and leisure destination.鈥�

Liam Cummins, head of UK building for Laing O鈥橰ourke, added: 鈥淭he project is in total alignment with our 2025 mission to be the recognised leader of innovation and excellence in the construction industry.鈥�

The wider project team includes Alinea as the quantity surveyor and engineers Waterman and Clarke Nicholls Marcel.

The revamp of the shopping centre is part of Barnet council鈥檚 wider 拢4.5bn regeneration plans for Brent Cross and Cricklewood.

Argent and its US partner Related are working on the other half of Barnet council鈥檚 regeneration project, which will see nearly 7,000 new homes, parks, community facilities and a new high street built.