The Enquirer understands Skanska has been given the nod as preferred bidder for the job ahead of rivals BAM Construction and Brookfield Multiplex.

A source close to the project said: “Skanska have got this and are are putting together a supply chain.

“It’s just a question of an official announcement shortly.”

It will be the latest in a string of high profile London wins for Skanska who have bagged a quartet of £100m+ office jobs in the capital during the last six months.

Work on the Phase 2B project at Great Ormond Street will involve  the partial demolition of the existing 7-storey cardiac building down to the fourth floor.

The plan is to rebuild to eight storeys aligning floors in the new cardiac wing with the remainder of the adjacent hospital. Once finished it will be renamed The Premier Inn Clinical Building.

Work is due to start in May and be completed in early 2017.

Skanska’s appointment will be a particular blow to BAM who delivered the phase 2A Morgan Stanley Clinic.

Hospital staff will continue to have access to the lower building throughout the 33-month contract.