£325,000 Paid For London Rouse Site
WELLINGTON, Fri. (Sp.)—The site acquired in London for the New Zealand Government offices cost £325,000, said the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) in a statement issued yesterday. The area purchased was under a Crown lease, but the former lease, due to expire in 1970. had been surrendered in exchange for a new lease at 99 years at a Crown rent of £IO,COO a year.
Rents payable by the existing tenants amounted to £30,440.
“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 Mr Fraser.
“It may be advantageous at a later date to acquire the interests of His Majesty’s Theatre. In the meantime the existing tenancies in the buildings on the site are being continued on a suitable leasehold basis. “The Carlton Hotel Company is continuing to operate the Carlton Bar and Grill in the basement. The remainder of the block is occupied by the United Kingdom Minstry of Works, His Majesty’s Theatre, the occupants of the Royal Opera Arcade and two shops.” PRESENT CONGESTION Mr Fraser said that the eventual transfer of the High Commissioner’s office from New Zealand House, in the Strand, to the new premises, would bring together under one roof for the first time in many years all the New Zealand Government offices in London.
At present, in addition to the sections located at New Zealand House, which were very congested, branches were situated at Halifax House, Stolaf House, in Tooley Street, and at premises i:i Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.
The stores indent branch of the High Commissioner’s Office would oe moved shortly to the Adelphi Building, in which space was leased recently. “It is always a matter of regret that the excellent building in such a fine position in the Strand which was acquired by a previous Government for New Zealand Government London offices should have been sold during the early 1930’s to the Government of Southern Rhodesia,” concluded Mr Fraser, »
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 18 February 1949, Page 3
Word Count
338£325,000 Paid For London Rouse Site Northern Advocate, 18 February 1949, Page 3
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