The three short-listed bidders now invited to tender are:
- Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction
- Leighton Contractors
- A joint venture between Downer EDI Works and Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia
Eight construction businesses had registered to tender for the early works contract for the scheme, which will bring light rail to the central business district (CBD) and south east of the city.
“This strong response from a range of private construction firms is a vote of confidence in the CBD and South East Light Rail project,” said New South Wales transport minister Gladys Berejiklian.
The early work includes activities needed to manage or relocate buried utilities such as water, telecommunications, gas and electricity cables and pipes.
The overall project consists of two contracts; the early works contract, and a public-private partnership (PPP).
In October 2013, more than 110 representatives from 66 private sector organisations attended a project industry briefing that marked the start of the procurement process. Representatives from countries including Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Singapore and China attended the briefing and were invited to work with the NSW government to deliver the project.
Subject to planning approval, early works construction will begin later this year and the project will then take five to six years to complete.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
