Developer CIT Markborough, which won the race to provide a home for the London mayor last week, is keen to find a builder to meet the tight deadline.
CIT Markborough managing director Kevin McGovern said the firm would advertise in the European Union’s Official Journal for a contractor for the oval, glass and steel building before the end of this month. Bovis has already been tipped to win the commission.
McGovern said the core and shell of the building would cost £40m. The government has yet to decide whether it wants a fully fitted out building and McGovern would only say: “We are looking forward to seeing what the government would have us build.” Minister for London Nick Raynsford said last week that the government would work with the developer and architect over the coming weeks to develop the building design and agree the detailed terms on which the building will be available. He said: “Subject to a satisfactory resolution of these discussions and the developer securing planning permission quickly, I anticipate that the building will be ready in 2001.” The Greater London Authority comes into existence in July 2000. It will be housed in the former DOE headquarters in Marsham Street until 2001.
QS on the project is Davis Langdon & Everest, structural and M&E engineer is Ove Arup & Partners and planning consultant is Montagu Evans.
The Government Office for London is being advised by PACE, with Turner and Townsend as project manager, Knight Frank as letting agent and Berwin Leighton as legal adviser.
