§ Baroness Hamweeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will announce a firm date for the demolition of the former headquarters of the Department of the Environment at Number 2 Marsham Street; and, if not, why not. [HL3503]
66WA
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)Responsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document for Property Advisers to the Civil Estate. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. John Locke, to write to the noble Baroness.
Letter from the Acting Chief Executive, Properly Advisers to the Civil Estate, Mr. Barry Redfern, dated 15 July 1999.
Lord Falconer of Thoroton has asked me, as acting Chief Executive of the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) which has responsibility for the disposal of 2 Marsham Street, to reply to your question about the Government's future plans for this building.
I would refer you to the Chief Executive's letter of 28 June 1999 (copy attached) to Lord Brougham and Vaux, in response to his recent question, in which he stated that it is certainly our intention to demolish as soon as practicable. You may be aware that, in connection with their Headquarters PFI project, Home Office are considering rebuilding or temporary re-use of 2 Marsham Street.
A decision by Home Office is expected later this year, but it cannot be taken until a further round of bids for their project has been completed. Pending this decision, Home Office have taken on management responsibility and are paying the holding costs of the property.
Letter to the Lord Brougham and Vaux from the Chief Executive, Property Advisers to the Civil Estate, Mr. John Locke, dated 28 June 1999.
Lord Falconer of Thoroton has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) which has responsibility for the disposal of 2 Marsham Street, to reply to your question about the Government's future plans for this building.
It is our intention to demolish 2 Marsham Street as soon as practicable. However, immediate plans to commence demolition have been put on hold because temporary reuse, as well as demolition and rebuilding, is an option under consideration by Home Office as part of their Headquarters' PFI project.
A decision by Home Office is expected later this year, but it cannot be taken until a further round of bids for their project has been completed. Pending this decision, Home Office have taken on management responsibility and are paying the holding costs of the property.