§ Baroness Billinghamasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made on the plans for new office accommodation for the Home Office and Her Majesty's Prison Service staff working in central London. [HL3550]
§ Lord RookerA contract has been awarded to Annes Gate Property plc for a new development on the site of the former Department of the Environment offices at Marsham Street. The contract is for a period of 29 years and involves the construction of new office accommodation, its long-term maintenance and provision of facility management and business support services. The net present cost of the contract is around £311 million at current prices. The demolition of the existing building at Marsham Street will start as soon as possible. On current plans, completion of the new development is expected to be spring 2005. Westminster City Council has already given planning consent for the re-development of the site, which includes mixed office, residential and commercial development. The department plans to vacate five of its existing office buildings in central London after the move to Marsham Street.