Bam, Kier Moss, Morgan Sindall, Thomas Vale and Vinci and are all chasing the £20m building project with the winning contractor due to be announced shortly.

The four-storey-building will be built in Southwater Square, in the town centre, and is due to be finished in early 2014.

Plans for the wider Southwater scheme include an 11-screen cinema, hotel, car park, restaurants and bars.

Telford and Wrekin council said the new centre would bring several local authority-run services under one roof.

The community hub building will include a library on the first floor, tourist information point, service desk, cafe and exhibition space.