§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) objectives and (b) progress of the planned re-location of Home Office headquarters from Queen Anne's Gate. [92195]
§ Mr. StrawThe objectives of the Home Office Central London Accommodation Strategy Private Finance Initiative project are to provide accommodation which meets Home Office and Prison Service long-term requirements for headquarters accommodation in central London; meets operational and business requirements; supports the Home Office modernisation programme; provides a healthy, safe and secure working environment for staff; and complies with Home Office and wider Government environmental policies.
An invitation to submit best and final offers was issued to three bidders in August 1998. Their bids were received in November 1998. None of these bids were acceptable and it is now proposed to invite further best and final offers based upon a revised statement of requirements. Bidders have been told that we expect to do this in September. The new accommodation is likely to be ready for occupation no earlier than 2004.