§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated total cost of the refurbishment of Charles house, London W14.
§ Sir George YoungThis property, with an area of 33,000 sq. metres, is held on a lease expiring in June 2010 at an historically low rent. The refurbishment is being undertaken jointly by Property Holdings and Inland Revenue (the major occupier) at a total cost of £3.7 million, inclusive of fees and VAT. It will upgrade the accommodation to provide good value central London offices and at the same time enable the surrender of other premises showing an estimated annual saving of £4.3 million.