§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when New Century house on Westminster Bridge road was vacated; what has been the cost of maintenance since then; and what plans his Department has for the building.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesCentury house, Westminster Bridge road was vacated on 1 August 1994. Maintenance payments since that date total £47,657.38.
Negotiations with the landlord and the planning authority are in hand to enable the building to be used as an emergency shelter by the Construction Industry Relief and Assistance for the Single Homeless—CRASH—during the winter of 1994–95.
A Government Department has expressed some interest in using the building after then and refurbishment. Value for money studies are currently being undertaken. It is being offered to other Departments and will be placed on the open market if no long-term user can be found within Government.