§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce details of his Department's new accommodation.
§ Mr. GummerOn 12 November last year, my predecessor announced that the Department of the Environment would remain in Marsham street for the time being while a search was undertaken to find the most suitable accommodation at the best value for money for the taxpayer,Official Report, column 955.
I have now selected two buildings for my Department's headquarters. Eland house, in Bressenden place near Victoria, is to be rebuilt by Land Securities. As part of the deal with Land Securities, 700,000 sq ft of offices held on long lease by Property Holdings will be surrendered before lease expiry, thereby making a significant reduction in the size of the Government estate in central London.
The second building is Ashdown house in Victoria street which is currently occupied by the Department of Trade and Industry: it is in need of major repairs. These will be done when the DTI reoccupies 1-19 Victoria street.
DOE headquarters staff in 2 Marsham street, together with staff in two other buildings in London will move to this new accommodation. Marsham street is also occupied in part by the Department of Transport. My right hon.
264WFriend the Secretary of State for Transport will make an announcment about future accommodation for his Department in due course. It is likely that both Departments will finally vacate 2 Marsham street towards the end of 1997, after which it will be demolished to the benefit of the London skyline.