Joint venture announced preferred bidder to redevelop and extend RAF Northolt on MoD's London estate.

A joint venture between developer St Modwen and French contractor Vinci has won the battle for the Ministry of Defence's Project MoDEL (MoD Estate in London).

St Modwen and Vinci beat off competition from the other shortlisted bidder, Land Securities Trillium, when the MoD today named them preferred bidder.

MoDEL is the MoD's initiative to rationalise its London estate.

The private sector partners will redevelop and extend RAF Northolt in return for more than 250 acres of surplus MoD land which will be released for redevelopment.

An initial £150m will be invested into RAF Northolt to provide new living accommodation, working and mess space, as well as sports, social and healthcare space.

Norwest Holst, part of Vinci, will carry out the construction work. Enabling works are expected to start in July and August, before construction starts in October.