Work on the Wales International Convention Centre is due to begin in early 2016 on what will be the largest facility of its kind in Wales and the south west of England.
According to information specialist Glenigan, Laing O’Rourke, John Sisk and Sir Robert McAlpine were shortlisted for the bid race with Sisk now looking the favourite to sign a deal.
The 300,000 sq ft project at Celtic Manor Resort will add to existing conference buildings, creating more than 200 jobs during the three-year construction phase.
Newport-based Lewis & Lewis is acting as project and cost manager of the development.
Celtic Manor Resort vice-president of facilities and development Russell Phillips said: “We will now be able to start some clearance work at the end of this year with a view to breaking ground on the new international convention centre in January 2016.”