The Enquirer revealed last month that O’Rourke was being replaced despite putting in a lot of pre-construction work.

O’Rourke was planning to make extensive use of offsite construction techniques and modular components from its factory in Derbyshire.

The contractor had even posted up a video on YouTube – since taken down –  containing BIM images ahead of a site start at Whitechapel detailing how the scheme would utilise offsite techniques.

L&Q initially decided to re-tender the scheme after parting company with O’Rourke.

But now the Enquirer understands L&Q is looking to press ahead with a Joint Venture partner.

One industry source said: “The job has been withdrawn from tender and the word is they are now looking to do a JV.

“I’m not sure who with but it will probably be someone like Mount Anvil or Telford.”

The Whitechapel central scheme has been designed by architect Stockwool and is set to transform the former Safestore facility into a new urban quarter, with nearly 30% of the site dedicated to new public realm.

The scheme includes a large proportion of family homes alongside 38,000 sq ft of commercial space.