The Enquirer understands that McAlpine has edged ahead of rivals Laing O’Rourke and Vinci for the job which is set to start on site in Spring 2014.
A source close to the bidding race said: “Nothing has been made official yet but the word among the bidders is that McAlpine is set to win this one.”
The job has created a surge of interest across the supply chain with companies clamouring to pitch for packages.
The M&E race is very competitive with NG Bailey and Imtech believed to be among the interested firms.
Further down the supply chain, standby power experts shentongroup said: “This is a scheme a lot of companies have been tracking and it would be great to add this to our recent wins on major projects”
A spokeswoman for Hammerson said contract talks were ongoing and no decision has been made on a winner.