Under the framework contract the firms will deliver the majority of the University’s capital projects in excess of £10m over the next eight years.

The University of Manchester’s Campus Masterplan is the largest capital programme in the institution’s history and one of the largest currently underway in the higher education sector.

The contractors will work on a number of major developments, including the flagship £350m Manchester Engineering Campus Development, which will bring together the University’s four Schools of Engineering in one location and also provide teaching and office space.

The Manchester Engineering Campus Development is the largest single estates project ever undertaken by the University.

University Director of Estates and Facilities, Diana Hampson, said: “This Construction Partnering Framework is probably unique within higher education.

“The scope and scale of the Campus Masterplan requires a huge amount of resource and presents significant delivery challenges. A collaborative, partnership arrangement was therefore vital in ensuring both quality and value.”

Jon Adams, Balfour Beatty managing director for Northern Major Projects, said: “We applaud The University of Manchester for their innovative and ground breaking procurement route which enables delivery of best value and we look forward to working collaboratively with them on a framework.”

Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O’Rourke Construction UK said: “The values underpinning the Construction Partnering Framework align well to ours and will help ensure all partners drive – and importantly share – innovation and best practice for the benefit of the University and its stakeholders, while we deliver a world-class campus.”

Richard McAlpine, Director at Sir Robert McAlpine said: “We share with the University a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing world class facilities which inspire future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible”