British Land and Oxford Properties has announced the appointment of Laing O'Rourke as the main contractor on The Leadenhall Building, EC3.

Following completion of the joint venture in 2010, construction work recommenced on site in January 2011. Foundations and preliminary basement works are nearing completion and with the construction contract awarded within budget and ahead of time, the main construction works are expected to start in September.

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Nigel Webb, Head of Developments at British Land, said: "Laing O'Rourke has an excellent track record of delivering major schemes and we look forward to working with them to deliver The Leadenhall Building, which is set to become a defining City landmark."

Richard Pilkington, Development Director at Oxford Properties, added: "Laing O'Rourke's selection as our construction partner is a great milestone for The Leadenhall Building and further underpins our delivery for 2014."

The 47 storey, 736 ft (224m) Leadenhall tower is set to become one of the tallest buildings in the City of London and will combine nearly half an acre of landscaped open space with modern, flexible offices and retail and dining facilities.

(CD/BMcC)