N.Z. OFFICES IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 8

N.Z. OFFICES IN LONDON

4 £325,000 PAID FOR NEW SITE PURCHASE FROM CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. The New Zealand Government paid £325,000 for the site acquired from the Carlton Hotel Company in London for the New Zealand Government offices, said the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) to-day.

“According to the best expert opinion available, the purchase price is considered satisfactory, particularly when compared with other land transactions in . the central London area,” said the Prims Minister.' “It may be advantageous at a later date to acquire also the interests of fiis Majesty’s Theatre.” TTie area purchased, said Mr Fraser, was held under Crown lease, but the former lease, which was scheduled to expire in 1970,. had been surrendered in exchange for a new lease for 99 years at a Crown rent of £16.000 a year. The rents payable by the present tenants amounted to £30,440 a year.

“In the meantime, the existing tenancies in the buildings on the site are being continued on a suitable leasehold basis,” he continued. “The Carlton Hotel Company itself is continuing to operate the Carlton Bar and Grill in the basement. The remainder of the block is occupied by the United Kingdom Ministry of Works. His Majesty’s Theatre, the occupants of the Royal Opera Arcade, ana by two shops.

“The eventual transfer of the High Commissioner’s office from New Zealand House in the Strand to the new premises will bring together under one roof (for the first time in many years) all the New Zealand Government offices in London. At the present time, in addition to the sections located at New Zealand, House, which are very congested, branches are situated at Halifax House. St. Olaf House in Tooley street, and at premises in Henrietta street. Covent Garden. “The stores and indents branch of the High Commissioner’s office will soon move to the Adelphi Building, in which space has recently been leased. “It is, of course, alw’ays a matter of regret that the excellent building in such a fine position in the Strand which was acquired by a previous Government for the Government’s London offices should have been sold during the early thirties to the Government of Southern Rhodesia.”