§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1994,Official Report, column 249, what has been the cost of maintenance of Century house, Westminster Bridge road since 24 November, and what progress has been made in negotiations over the short-term and long-term future of the building.
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe cost of maintenance at Century house since 24 November 1994 amounts to £13,000 plus fees and VAT. The majority of expenditure relates to security cover.
Property Holdings arranged with the landlord for the building to be offered for use as a winter shelter in 1994–95 as part of the Government's rough sleeper's initiative in central London. The planning application was refused by London borough of Lambeth and the proposal did not proceed. The interest in re-use by a Government Department is no longer current and a marketing campaign is being produced. As an interim measure short-term car parking lettings are under consideration.
Discussions with the landlord and freeholder about the future of the building are continuing. Progress is hampered by the substantial negative value of the Secretary of State's lease.