Vinci has been working on contract details since March when it was confirmed as preferred bidder for the job to increase the tram network by 17.5km.

Vinci is part of the Tramlink consortium which also includes Alstom, Keolis and Wellglade (owners of local bus operator Trent Barton) and Meridiam and OFI Infravia as financial investors.

Tramlink will also take over operation of the existing Nottingham Express Transit Line One which has been open since 2004.

Graham Stanley, Managing Director –Taylor Woodrow, the civil engineering division of VINCI Construction UK, said: “We have put together an extremely strong, world-class partnership and we are confident of being able to create a network which will not only be efficient and effective in terms of meeting the city’s transport needs but which will also help to take Nottingham’s international status to a new level.

“We already have significant expertise in the rail sector including light rail and a regional presence through the Building Division of Vinci Construction UK and through our work on Nottingham Hub.”

The Department for Transport is providing £371m of funding with the balance coming from fare revenue.

Advanced works will start in January with the main construction phase getting underway in March.