§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the sale of Serle's House, Winchester; [113961]
(2) what plans he has to protect the Garden of Remembrance at Serle's House, Winchester, in the event of the sale of Serle's House; [113901]
(3) if he will review his plans for the sale of Serle's House, Winchester to take account of its use as a dedicated garden of remembrance; [114169]
(4) if he will offer the purchase of Serle's House, Winchester to Hampshire County Council at a price below the market level in order to protect the museum and garden; and if he will make a statement. [114191]
§ Dr. MoonieThe decision to sell Serle's House was taken following a review which examined a number of sites upon which MOD has Museums and Regimental Headquarters in Winchester. It was concluded that all the Museums and Regimental Headquarters should be co-located in the Upper Barracks. The MOD is well aware of Serle's House status as a Grade II listed property and of its associated memorial garden and will consider disposal options that best preserve its future. Defence Estates, who are responsible for managing this disposal, are consulting with the Trustees of the Regimental Museum over the level of access required and intend to impose a restrictive covenant on the purchaser which would ensure the retention and upkeep of the memorial garden and continued access to it.
Serle's House has already attracted interest from a number of potential purchasers including Hampshire County Council. In taking forward its disposal, Defence Estates will expose the property to the open market, while seeking to ensure that the historic building and its memorial garden are protected.