§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they rejected the bid of £120 million made by Bourne/Legacy in July for the purchase of the Millennium Dome. [HL3870]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Government selected Dome Europe as preferred bidder because it offered the best proposals evaluated against the competition criteria, including the benefits of continuity of use and greater funding certainty. However, the proposal from Legacy plc was a strong one and following Dome Europe's decision to withdraw the Government has entered into discussions with Legacy plc as the sole remaining shortlisted bidder in the competition to sell the Millennium Dome. Legacy plc could be granted "preferred bidder" status as long as they make satisfactory progress with their proposals.
§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they informed English Partnerhips that they must consider all offers to buy the Millennium Dome site; that the offers should include those from former bidders or property developers; and that it is no longer essential to retain the Dome structure as part of the contract of sale. [HL3873]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonFollowing the decision by Dome Europe to withdraw from the competition for the future use of the Dome, the Deputy Prime Minister requested that English Partnerships produce a paper on the options for the future use of the Millennium Experience site. This exercise is being run in parallel to the current competition for the Dome and the discussions that are taking place with Legacy plc. The Government remain committed to a long-term future for the Dome.
§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is still their intention, as stated by Lord Falconer of Thoroton as the sole shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), on 27 July (HL col. 581), that £53 million should be paid to NMEC from the proceeds of the sale of the Millennium Dome. [HL3874]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Government are in discussion with Legacy plc, the second shortlisted bidder in the competition to sell the Dome. Should Legacy plc be selected as preferred bidder, Ministers will make a decision on the division of proceeds according to the make-up of the proposal, the land required and the financial offer.
13WA
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which Minister or Ministers made the decision that the bids for the Millennium Dome made by Nomura and Dome Legacy in the spring of 2000 should not be proceeded with at that stage. [HL3850]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe decision to shortlist Dome Europe and Legacy plc in May of this year was made by the Minister for local Government and Regeneration, myself, the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
14WA
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which organisations have submitted bids since August to buy the site of the Millennium Dome. [HL3848]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonUnder the current competition rules, no new bids for the Dome or the Millennium Experience site can be accepted. However, a number of expressions of interest have been received by the competition team since August and have been passed to English Partnerships to incorporate in their review of options for the use of the Millennium Experience site. These expressions of interest are commercially confidential at this stage.