Brussels, 26/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - As it did not receive a satisfactory economic offer, the European Central Bank decided on Wednesday 25 June to close the international tender launched in 2007 for a general contractor to construct the new ECB premises. Offers received “considerably exceeded” the ECB's estimated budget for building its future seat (on the current site of the Grossmarkthalle in Frankfurt). This hitch means there is doubt hanging over the date when work will begin, initially set for autumn 2008, and the date when the ECB moves into its new premises could be postponed until 2011. The sum of €500 million (on the basis of 2005 price levels) for the construction of the building remains valid, the ECB states. Over coming weeks, it will proceed to a detailed analysis of the various options put to it for carrying out the project. (A.B./transl.jl)