HC Deb 27 October 1994 vol 248 cc748-9W
Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the costs of constructing the new MOD headquarters at Abbey Wood; and what are the expected running costs.

Mr. Freeman

The estimated works cost of the Abbey Wood development, inclusive of site acquisition, construction, fitting out, professional works management fees and VAT is £254.136 million at 1993 prices. The construction programme continues to proceed within budget and against the planned time scale, which remains tight. Phased occupation of the accommodation is targeted to commence in autumn 1995, with the aim of completing by autumn 1996.

We are in the process of inviting bids for facilities management at Abbey Wood. The core facilities management costs are projected to achieve savings in excess of 40 per cent. compared to existing accommodation, with energy costs estimated at one third of those for typical modern buildings.