The firm is understood to have beaten Graham Construction and Sisk to take the first stage of a two-stage design and build contract, estimated to be worth around £50m.

It will now support the council’s design team, led by Ramboll UK, to finalise the design and construction method, including completing enabling works such as the controlled dismantling of the existing derelict Princess Jetty, which has been gifted to the city by Peel Land and Property.

They will also establish the final construction costs by inviting competitive sub-contract prices for each package of works in advance of the second stage main contract award, whilst designing out construction risks.

McLaughlin & Harvey Contract Director, John Mariner, said the firm would also be fully supporting the Liverpool in Work programme to provide and promote engagement with local subcontractors and suppliers, and offer local employment opportunities.  

The main contract works involve the construction of the new Cruise Passenger Terminal on a suspended deck structure at the Princes Jetty site and the erection of a vehicular linkspan bridge and pedestrian walkway to connect the new terminal to the existing landing stage.

Subject to planning,  site preparation at Princes Dock, in Liverpool Waters, is expected to start in October 2018.

Further planning applications could potentially include supplementary projects with a new 200-room hotel and 1,700+ space multi-storey car park.