A  joint venture between Farrans, and Spanish-owned Sacyr and its subsidiary Neopul is set to secure a £90m main works contract to design and construct the new route from York Place to Newhaven.

If council chiefs vote to proceed with the project on 14 March, a six-month early contractor involvement period will commence, during which the targeted cost will be fully developed.

Also councillors will be asked to approve the award of the enabling swept path contract to Morrison Utility Services.

Morrison will work ahead of the SFN joint venture contractor to identify and clear any below ground obstructions along the tram route.

Finance and resources convener councillor Alasdair Rankin said: “The Trams to Newhaven project team has completed a comprehensive and rigorous procurement exercise to select preferred contractors for both elements of the project.

“This process has been exhaustive in its approach, taking on board substantial lessons learned from the previous projects and following best industry practice.

“The Finance and Resources Committee will carefully assess and scrutinise the outcome of this procurement process before arriving at a decision. Awarding the contracts will be subject to a final vote on the project by Council on 14 March.”

Other bidders for the scheme included: BAM/ Colas Rail; Dragados, Sisk Steconfer joint venture.