The bid race has begun for the £39m contract to build a new V&A museum in Dundee.

Dundee City Council has now published an OJEU notice for the high-profile deal to build Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s design on the city’s waterfront.

The 28 month contract is listed as worth between £35m and £39m and up to five firms will be invited to tender.

The notice states: “The building envelope is created by a reinforced concrete structural wall clad in reconstituted precast units externally and timber cladding internally creating an organic, layered and textured form.

“Building quality will require to be of the highest standard to reflect the ethos of the V&A at Dundee.

“The building itself will form a show piece of design innovation and construction in Scotland.”

The winning contractor will also be expected to maximise opportunities for local workers and subcontractors.