Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Freeman (Conservative) on Friday, 21 March 1997 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: Statement on what plans he has made for the future of Admiralty Arch.

Answer: Mr. Derek Foster: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has made for the future of Admiralty Arch. [21429] Mr. Freeman: Good progress is being made with preparations for the transfer of this important historic building to a new body that will enable it to be renovated and re-used for the benefit of organisations concerned with the promotion of London. The executive agency currently responsible for its management, Property Advisers to the Civil Estate has drawn up a long lease providing for its occupation by a not-for-profit company or trust representing Londoners' interests through business, local government, the voluntary sector and faith communities. The lease would be subject to the availability of appropriate funding, for example from the national lottery heritage fund. It is envisaged that the trust would be headed by a co-chairmanship. The new organisation would then be responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance of Admiralty Arch and for arranging for its occupation by appropriate bodies whose purpose is the promotion of London. Several charities and similar organisations have already expressed strong interest. In the meantime, work is about to begin on strengthening the building. This will entail sequential closures of the arches to traffic and pedestrians which will be phased over the next 16 weeks in order to minimise disruption.

Secondary information