A blueprint for the planned bio-medical science campus involves construction of the centre on land freed-up by redevelopment of the main hospital site.

Hospital officials hope construction of the first stage of the BioInnovation Centre could start next spring.

Project director for the new Royal Hospital, Helen Jackson, said: “The BioCampus will create a lot of construction jobs and help to regenerate the area, in 10 to 15 years time it will be unrecognisable.”

The main part of the centre will only take shape when work is in full swing on new Royal Liverpool hospital

Teams featuring Balfour Beatty, Carillion and Spanish contractor FCC are all through to the next round of bidding, which is being masterminded by Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Two bidders will be chosen by the end of the year with a preferred bidder due next June ahead of financial close being wrapped up by the end of next year and construction starting in early 2012.

Tony Bell, chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have such a strong group of bidders and are looking forward to working with them.

“It is very important for us to make sure we identify the best possible construction partner, so the people of Merseyside and beyond have a new hospital of which they can be proud.”