Plans for a new home for Wales’ Senedd Members are moving forward as developers are being invited to propose plans for a new purpose-built headquarters in Cardiff Bay. The Senedd Commission is seeking bidders to submit proposals for a new office location to replace the current Ty Hywel building, which is connected to the Senedd debating chamber. The existing lease on Ty Hywel will expire in 2032, with an annual rent of £2.3m, excluding VAT. While a decision on the new headquarters will be made later in the year, the tender process will remain open until the next month.
The Senedd is looking to procure approximately 120,000 sq ft of accommodation, with at least 90% of its capacity located near the existing Senedd building. This accommodation must facilitate the necessary infrastructure links between the two buildings to ensure a secure and smooth flow of Members and staff. While one option is to negotiate a new lease with the current landlord, Equitix, there is also potential for the Welsh Government to acquire the building and lease it back to the Senedd. Property advisory firm Gerald Eve is assisting the Senedd in evaluating its property options to ensure the best outcome for the public purse.
If the decision is made to construct a new building, it could cost around £60m, and the selected developer would need a long-term lease of up to 40 years to make the project financially viable. Potential locations for the new headquarters include a vacant development site adjacent to the Senedd chamber or Porth Teigr, a site owned by the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government is considering various options, including self-financing the project through its mutual investment model.
The Senedd spokesperson highlighted the need to explore all options thoroughly to secure the best value for taxpayers’ money, especially in challenging economic times. If a new building is approved, the rent may increase compared to Ty Hywel, but the purpose-built facility could be more energy-efficient, potentially offsetting the overall cost. Cardiff Council is also considering a public sector hub at Atlantic Wharf, which could include a new Senedd headquarters building. The hub aims to attract UK Government civil service functions to Cardiff Bay.
In conclusion, the plans for a new home for Wales’ Senedd Members signify a significant step towards modernising the accommodation and ensuring a more efficient and sustainable working environment. The decision-making process involves careful consideration of financial implications and long-term benefits for the public purse. As Wales progresses towards a more contemporary and purpose-built headquarters for its elected Members, the outcome of this development will be crucial in shaping the future operations of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.