HC Deb 24 July 1939 vol 350 cc1020-1
55. Mr. Keeling

asked the First Commissioner of Works how the height of the proposed block of offices on the site of the old Westminster hospital, overlooking the Abbey, compares with that of the hospital; whether he is aware of the public anxiety that any new building in immediate proximity to the Abbey should be of moderate height; and whether he will submit to the Royal Fine Art Commission for their opinion models of the proposed building and of the Abbey?

The First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Ramsbotham)

The greatest height of the existing hospital building is about 80 feet. The greatest height of the new building will be not more than 88 feet. This, however, will be the height of the top of the roof: the height of the main wall head, the storeys above which will be set back, will be about 67 feet only, as against about 75 feet for the present building. The design is still in process of development, and these details must be regarded as approximate only: but I am in close touch with the promoters of the scheme, and I can assure my hon. Friend that I am fully alive to the considerations which he mentions. The Royal Fine Art Commission have had the opportunity of examining a model of the proposed building in relation to its surroundings, including Westminster Abbey.