Four industry heavyweights are fighting it out for a new £30m conference centre in east London planned by Siemens.
The building will be the centerpiece of Mayor Boris Johnson’s plans for a Green Enterprise District in the area.
Siemens wants to create an iconic building to be a permanent showcase for sustainable technologies and a centre for the public, customers and students to meet and explore the innovation required to achieve a low carbon society.
The Enquirer understands that Bam, ISG, Sir Robert McAlpine and Vinci are all in the hunt for the Siemens Pavilion.
The centre expects to attract around 100,000 visitors a year and will be located at the western end of the Royal Docks near to the ExCeL centre and London City airport.
The Siemens Pavilion will comprise an exhibition, which will be open to the public, a 300-seat auditorium and facilities for educational tour groups.
There are plans for interactive exhibits, seating areas, a café and shop as well as outdoor seating areas and exhibits.
Siemens has appointed a consortium comprising Pringle Brandon and Wilkinson Eyre Architects to design the pavilion.
It will cover an area of 3,687m2, over three storeys, the total area to be developed is 7,002m2.
The Siemens Pavilion is expected to be completed and open to visitors in early 2012.
A source close to the client told the Enquirer: “This is a flagship job and has attracted a lot of interest.
“It looks like the race is now down to four main players.
“Planning is being formalised now and a winner will be announced shortly ready for work to start on site next January.”