§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amoryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what work he intends to carry out on Palace Chambers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungFor some time Palace Chambers, which forms part of the Bridge street redevelopment site, has been scheduled for eventual demolition. Following advice from structural engineers, it was decided in January that early demolition was necessary to relieve the load on the supporting structure. Some preliminary work has already been done. Work will start this month to take the building down to first-floor level which will enable the ground floor shops to remain open until later in the year when their leases expire. The rest of the building will then be demolished.
The work has been arranged in close consultation with London Underground.
Plans for the new building are at an early stage.