HC Deb 21 January 1982 vol 16 c162W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a statement explaining his plans for the development of the so-called Hampton site, contiguous to the National Gallery, with particulars of the space therein by which he proposes to extend the exhibition facilities of the National Gallery.

Sir George Young

My right hon. Friend announced a developer-architect competition on 8 December 1981, inviting plans for the development of the Hampton site for mixed private accommodation and at least 20, 000 sq. ft. of additional space for the National Gallery, to be provided free of charge in exchange for a 125-year lease of the site. The competition will be held in two stages with only six competitors being asked to work up detailed designs. The winning scheme, which will be announced in September, will be selected on the basis of the architectural quality of the overall design and the amount of space offered to the National Gallery. Copies of the specifications for the competitions are in the Library of the House.