APPENDIX 10
Memorandum from the Ministry of Defence
concerning Main Building redevelopment (5 May 2000)
You will be aware of the Public Private Partnership
project to redevelop the Ministry of Defence's headquarters buildings
in Whitehall. Following extensive negotiations with the preferred
bidder my officials have today concluded the deal with the consortium
Modus Services plc to redevelop the Grade I listed Main Building
and manage and maintain it and the adjacent Old War Office for
a period of 30 years.
The contract covers not just the modernisation
of Main Building but also the works to the other buildings needed
to accommodate staff whilst refurbishment is underway. The redevelopment
will assist us to dispose of five central London buildings and
concentrate our activities in the Main Building and the Old War
Office. It is long overdue; the building has been little altered
since it was built in the 1950s and falls well short of normal
office standards. It will, however, be functional and fit-for-purpose
with no gold-plating, and will give us a modern and flexible work
environment in which we can make best use of up-to-date business
practices and technology.
We will be announcing this outcome in a Press
Release today.
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