Last September, the firm was appointed as part of a two-stage process to develop the designs and carry out enabling works for the Intu Watford extension.

This included demolition of several buildings, the refurbishment of the existing car park block as well as a substantial element of new build.

But now it has emerged that BAM have been unable to agree a price for the full job with the client.

The full project to connect the Intu Watford shopping centre and the adjoining Charter Place retail site acquired by Intu in April 2013 was expected to be worth around £60m, according to industry sources.

Other bidders for the preconstruction package included Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates and Sisk.

Martin Ellis, construction director of Intu, said: “In September 2014, we announced that BAM had been ‘appointed to develop the designs for the intu Watford extension’.

“We can confirm that these services have now been completed and our contract with BAM has therefore come to an end.

“We are in the process of reviewing our project plans, including options for the appointment of a contractor to undertake the works.

He added: “We fully expect the project to keep to the existing timescales, and look forward to creating a vibrant retail and leisure destination for our millions of customers.”