PRESENT N.Z. HOUSE IN LONDON SOLD BY FORMER GOVERNMENT

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1949, Page 5

PRESENT N.Z. HOUSE IN LONDON SOLD BY FORMER GOVERNMENT

Reason for Purchase of Carlton Hotel

“It is of course always a matter of regret that an excellent building in such a fine position in The Strand, which was acquired by a previous Government for New Zealand, as the New Zealand Government London offices, should have been sold during the early 30’s to the Government of Southern Rhodesia”, said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, referring to-dav to the purchase of the Carlton Hotel, London, by the Government as a future site for New Zealand House. According to the best opinion available, the purchase price is considered satisfactory, partciularly when compared with other land transactions in the central London area, said Mr Fraser.

“It may be advantageous, at a later date, to acquire also the land occupied by His Majesty’s Theatre”, he said. The area purchased was held under Crown lease, but the former lease, which was due to expire in 1970, had been surrendered in exchange for a new lease for 99 years at a Crown rent of £16,000 per annum. The rents payable by the existing tenancies amounted to £30,440.

“In the meantime, the existing tenancies in the buildings on the site are being continued on a suitable leasehold basis. 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, occupants of the Royal Opera Arcade, and by two shops. UNDER ONE ROOF

“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 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. Olak House, in Tooley Street, and at premises in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. The Stores and Indents Branch .of the High Commissioner’s Office will shortly move to the Adelphi building, in which space has recently been leased".