§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the objectives are of the Cabinet Office new accommodation project. [120026]
§ Mr. StringerThe objective of the new accommodation project is to accommodate the great majority of Cabinet Office staff in 70 Whitehall and one other central London building. The inter-connected Admiralty Arch, Ripley Building and Kirkland House will thus become the Department's second London home. Cabinet Office staff are currently accommodated in a number of central London buildings, some of which are on leases nearing expiry.
The project is an integral part of Sir Richard Wilson's review of the Cabinet Office announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 28 July 1998. As well as providing modern office accommodation, the project also brings into beneficial use three Government-owned buildings (two of which are Grade 1 listed) which had become empty and were in danger of falling into disrepair.