The contract, worth up to US$10 million, involves the preparation of project approval and environmental documents for a path to be used by cyclists, pedestrians and for maintenance.

If BATA is unable to negotiate the contract with Arup, second-placed bidder TY Lin International will be approached.

Statements of qualifications were submitted on 11 September by three firms. Arup emerged as the highest ranked bidder, beating TY Lin International and URS Corporation.

Arup's subconsultants are HNTB, Apex Strategies, ICF International, Donald MacDonald Architects, MGE Engineering, Wreco, Emergent Transportation Concepts and Baseline Environmental.