Crossrail has announced its intention to award the first set of contracts for detailed design services under its framework agreements.

Under the Crossrail Design Framework Agreements announced in December 2008, the selected firms for each of the seven design categories have the opportunity to compete for packages of design work on the project.

The contracts awarded to date are:

• Package C150 - Royal Oak Portal - Capita Symonds Ltd
• Package C121 - Sprayed Concrete Lining - Mott MacDonald
• Package C122 - Bored Tunnels - Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd
• Package C134 - Tottenham Court Road Station - Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd

Commenting on the awards, Dr Graham Plant, Programme Director at Crossrail said: "These first design packages give the Crossrail project further impetus following the commencement of construction at Canary Wharf earlier this month. The awards mark the start of project's detailed design stage and we look forward to working closely with all the successful companies in driving forward the design as we move towards the start of main construction works in 2010."

(CD/JM)