Tony Robinson, best known as Baldrick in BBC TV's Blackadder and now presenter of archeological programme Time Team, and Princess Diana's brother Lord Althorp are advising consortia for the private finance initiative project.
According to a project source, Robinson is advising a team comprising architect Hawkins\Brown and contractor Miller Construction. Lord Althorp is advising a team featuring Sir Michael Hopkins.
Other teams on the shortlist of five include a consortium led by Edward Cullinan Architects and another featuring architect Sidell Gibson, exhibition specialist Event Communications, developer MEPC and designer Heritage Projects.
The project is expected to be worth £10m-14m, according to the project source.
The visitor centre will be located more than two miles from Stonehenge and visitors will be taken to the historic stone circle by shuttle bus. The centre is part of a £130m redevelopment that will see the A303 diverted under Stonehenge. Work on the 2 km tunnel will start in 2005.
The teams are presenting their plans to archaeologists, English Heritage, Wiltshire County Council and other interested parties. Final bids will be submitted on 8 November.
The selection panel is led by Sir Jocelyn Stevens, chairman of English Heritage.
Other members include Martin Drury, director-general of the National Trust; Pam Alexander, chief executive of the National Trust; Alex Stewart of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
