"We wouldn't have the intention of excluding anyone, " a spokeswoman said.

But she said the tendering process will be altered this time around "to add an extra layer of independent scrutiny". An auditing firm will be retained to verify the process, she said.

A number of disappointed bidders for the Bankcentre extension deal, who were highly critical of what they claimed was lack of transparency in that sale process, indicated privately last week that they are unlikely to be