An international construction company has been awarded a £24 million contract to refurbish the National Indoor Arena after the project was put out to tender for the second time.
NIA owners The NEC Group has named BAM Construction as preferred bidder after an initial tender race saw British business Galliford Try selected last September based on an £18 million price tag.
But both sides were unable to agree a final figure and parted company at the start of the year.
At the time The NEC said it had worked hard on the design to ensure that the scheme was affordable for the market and did not want to rely just on market forces to bring the project on budget.
BAM, part of the Netherlands’ Royal BAM Group, will carry out improvements at the 20-year-old venue while it continues to operate.
The biggest change will see a glazed frontage overlooking the neighbouring canals, three towering sky needles and steps down to the waterway.
The four-floor project includes an upgrade to public areas, an increase in food and drink facilities, an optional replacement and installation of the seating within the bowl of the arena and works to enhance the area around the arena.
Considerable mechanical and electrical enabling works will be required throughout to ensure that existing services are maintained and integrated with new.BAM was part of the original tender race with Wates, Sir Robert McAlpine, Skanska and Carillion.
