Rivals battle for work on £1bn US Embassy work
The US Embassy today stepped up plans for its new £1 billion base in the borough of Wandsworth as construction rivals prepared to lock horns over the prestigious project.
The embassy is planning to leave Grosvenor Square - its home since 1938 - for the new purpose-built site in Nine Elms by 2017. Architect Kieran Timberlake's distinctive cube design for the new building was chosen last year although the plans drew criticism from former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, and Battersea MP Martin Linton labelled it a "sugar cube". Plans feature a multi-level garden to act as a security barrier.
The embassy's adviser, consultant Cushman & Wakefield, was holding a briefing for potential bidders in London today. Under US law, only American companies are allowed the lead contract to build embassies.
Six major US contractors - Caddell, Walsh, Plaza, Clark, Hensel Phelps and Harbert - have been shortlisted although many are expected to partner with UK builders to deliver the project. The building itself is set to cost around £350 million. Sources said building work is unlikely to begin before 2013.
