Consultant Citex has beaten off three big-name contractors to win the Ministry of Defence’s £30m prime contract in Andover. The practice’s team edged out a shortlist including Kvaerner/Symonds, Sir Robert McAlpine and Taylor Woodrow.
The project, which starts on site in autumn, will include the design, construction and maintenance of the warrant officers’ and sergeants’ mess, as well as office, technical and sports facilities.
Citex managing director Steve Lee said the perception that the projects would be led by contractors rather than consultants was false. He said: “That’s never been our view, which is why we have gone quite hard for this contract.”
Lee said Citex’s backing from US investment bank Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette and Legal & General Ventures was helpful but not crucial in securing the deal. He said: “It was a plus factor, but it wasn’t a selection factor.”
Lee attributed the win to the innovative approach of the bid. He said: “Defence Estates responded to our attitude and teamwork.”
