§ Mr. David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future location of the Meteorological Office. [138176]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Met Office has recognised for some time that its existing accommodation in Bracknell is becoming increasingly expensive and unsuitable for its future business needs. The overwhelming conclusion of the business case, produced to examine the options, showed that a new site with purpose built accommodation was the best way of meeting its long-term needs and those of its customers. The Met Office plans to relocate by March 2003.
Following a thorough search and careful evaluation of potential sites throughout the United Kingdom, the Met Office selected four—Beaufort Park in Bracknell, Shinfield Park in Reading, Exeter Business park and Norwich Research Park—that it felt could best meet its needs. After detailed consideration of many factors, including cost, staffing issues, proximity to customers and other key stakeholders, planning and environmental issues, Exeter Business Park has been chosen as the preferred site.
This has not been an easy decision since all four shortlisted sites had obvious strengths. Nevertheless, the Met Office is certain that Exeter is the best location from which to build a secure and successful future.
The two consortia with whom the Met Office is negotiating over the provision and ongoing maintenance of the new accommodation will now work up detailed proposals for the Exeter site; tenders are due to be submitted to the Met Office by the end of February 2001 and a contract is expected to be placed by June 2001.