Sources closed to the project confirmed to the Enquirer that Brookfield Multiplex will start construction once a pre-let on the scheme is agreed.

The news means that Sir Robert McAlpine and Skanska miss out on the job they were both vying for.

The writing was on the wall for both firms last summer when property giant Hammerson sold the Principal Place site to Brookfield Office Properties.

Skanska and McAlpine had been head-to-head since late 2011 before the scheme was delayed in January 2012 when a prospective tenant pulled-out.

Brookfield Multiplex instantly became favourite to build the retendered scheme following the change of ownership and the appointment is now official.

The Principal Place project consists of a 600,000 sq ft office element and a separate 50-storey residential tower.