Five companies are on the shortlist to build Weymouth and Portland nautical hubs for 2012

The Olympic Delivery Authority has announced a shortlist of five companies to construct sailing facilities at Weymouth and Portland for the 2012 Olympic games.

Birse, Carillion, Dean & Dyball, Edmund Nuttall and Raymond Brown will compete for the deal, said to be worth around £6m.

The development will include a 150 metre slipway plus race-boat lifting facilities, parking area and moorings, which will be sheltered by a wave protection structure.

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: “This contract is an opportunity to build world-class sailing facilities that will benefit elite athletes and the local community alike before, during and long after the Games.

“Our plans for Weymouth and Portland are an excellent example of how the Games can act as a driver for wider regeneration, spreading sporting, social and economic benefits around the country.”

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), will also start work later this month on a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay, of which 250 berths will be used during the 2012 Games.