London-based architect HTA has been selected as preferred bidder to draw up the masterplan for the £200m regeneration of four rundown housing estates in Coventry
The practice beat off competition from Levitt Bernstein, PRP, Atkins and Shepheard Epstein Hunter to get the nod from the client, WEHM New Deals for Communities Partnership. The partnership has now submitted its decision to the council for ratification later this month.

A source close to Coventry council said: "HTA came out on top for both quality and price, so there really was no dispute on the winner."

PRP is likely to be the reserve bidder, as it came joint second with Levitt Bernstein for the design quality of its bid, but is believed to have offered a cheaper price. The five shortlisted firms were taken from an initial longlist of 21.

Negotiations with HTA are expected to be concluded in the next two to three weeks, after which the practice will be awarded a 12-month contract.

The project involves the revamp of the Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm and Deedmore Road estates. The WEHM partnership has secured £54m of the £200m it requires to redevelop these areas.

HTA came out on top with both design and price. There was no dispute

Source close to Coventry council

The Whitefriars Association, a registered social landlord that owns the housing stock, will appoint a developer to work with HTA on the scheme. HTA will be expected to work with the developer to secure the additional £150m of funding the scheme needs.

HTA's brief will include a requirement to "design out crime", improve transport and roads and allow for commercial, retail and industrial development.