The firm will assist in the second stage of the design and build procurement process before construction begins – subject to planning permission – in the summer next year.

Network Rail is building the National Centre to bring together the company's national functions to improve teamwork and planning, and provide better support to the route and area teams. The move is also expected to save the company millions of pounds as the amount of office space it rents at a number of locations will be reduced.

The proposed building, scheduled to open in 2012, will be located near Milton Keynes Central railway station on the site of the former National Hockey Stadium.

Network Rail plans to house up to 3,000 employees.

Bam South-east regional director Nigel Comben said: “We are delighted to be awarded the pre-construction services for this exciting project and will bring to it the experienced team that recently completed an award winning £72 million mixed use scheme adjacent to Network Rail’s development in Milton Keynes.

“Bam is able to offer strength in depth to support the demands of this project and deliver the quality and service we know that Network Rail will expect.”