A consortium, led by Vinci, has been selected as a preferred bidder for the renovation of La Santé Prison in Paris.

Granting authority Agence publique pour l'immobilier de la Justice (APIJ) awarded the PPP concesion to Vinci, ahead of rival bids Bouygues and Eiffage.

The consortium is composed by GTM Bâtiment (Vinci), Gepsa et Barclays Alma Mater General Partner Ltd (BAM).

The project involves the design, construction&rehabilitation, financing, maintenance and operation of La Santé Prison. The Prison will have 800 cells and new facilities for the reception of families.

The project cost is estimated at €250 million (US$340 million).

Architecture firms Pierre Vurpas & Associés, AIA Architectes and AIA studio paysage will design the new prison.

The signing of the PPP contract is planned for April 2014 and the works will begin by the end of 2014.

La Santé Prison is a prison operated by the Ministry of Justice located in the east of the Montparnasse district. It is one of the most popular prisons in France, with both VIP and high security wings. La Santé is one of the three main prisons of the Paris area.