§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Stroud (Sir A. Kershaw), Official Report, c. 151, when the main work of the restoration and redevelopment of Richmond terrace will start; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe Property Services Agency has awarded a management contract to Taylor Woodrow550W Construction Ltd. for the work which will start in January 1984. I believe that, when completed, the development will make a major contribution to the appearance of Whitehall. It combines conservation with a better use of this important site. The facade of the Georgian terrace will be restored to the 1822 design. The front rooms on the first three floors will be reconstructed in a similar style to the original; the five fine rooms will be restored as they were originally. The new building to Whitfield Partners' design will be in harmony with the adjoining buildings. The facades of the buildings facing on to Whitehall and Parliament street will be restored and many of the period features of the interiors will be retained. The development for Government use will enable the Property Services Agency to achieve a substantial saving on rental payments by giving up leased accommodation elsewhere in central London.