§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many formal bids were received in relation to the construction contract for Wembley National Stadium. [114116]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 10 March 2000]: Wembley National Stadium Ltd. (WNSL) has responsibility for the development and operation of the new National Stadium at Wembley and have advised that following a formal pre-qualification process between July and October 1999, five contractors were invited to submit a detailed first stage bid. WNSL held four interviews following, which one party withdrew. An updated pack of project information was issued to each of the three remaining contractors which invited revised proposals by January 2000. Following further assessment and negotiation, WNSL agreed on 6 March 2000 that Bovis/Multiplex JV should act as the Preferred Contractor for a 20-week period.
The construction contract will be awarded to Bovis/Multiplex JV only if at the end of the 20-week period terms have been agreed which are satisfactory to WNSL and its funders. In addition, Citex, the Project Monitor appointed by Sport England, have had full sight of all supporting paperwork and bid documents throughout this process.