Sources told the Enquirer that the contractor looks set to sign a deal shortly after a period of lengthy negotiations.

The scheme is one of three major bus interchange projects being brought forward by Transport for Greater Manchester.

It will see Kier build a new bus station opposite the current train station on Trinity Street, which will be linked with a new footbridge.

Preparation works to demolish properties on Newport Street, Great Moor Street and Johnson Street are due to get underway today.

Once pre-demolition work, including archaeological studies and utility disconnections has been completed, demolition of the buildings is expected to begin in December and be completed in early 2014.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We’re at the next crucial stage of the programme and the demolition will open up the site for construction to start.

“The interchange will play an important part in driving the regeneration of the town centre, together with other projects like the £4.5m redevelopment of Bolton Market.”

The project is Kier’s second major success after the £11.5m Rochdale bus station job, which has recently be opened. Laing O’Rourke is building another £20m transport interchange at Altrincham.

A fourth bus station project, which is still at early planning stage, is set to be built ast Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester for a cost of over £30m.