19/08/2013

Whitehall War Office To Be Sold

A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced.

The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century.

It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.

The building is to go on open market sale following the appointment of agents and is expected to attract "significant interest" from developers, the government said.

In 2014, MOD staff will move out of the Old War Office and all operations will transfer into MOD's Main Building.

The move is part of a drive to increase efficiency at the MOD.

The government says bringing MOD teams together into one building will save the taxpayer around £8m a year.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "As a result of our work to make MOD leaner, more professional and more efficient, we are able to concentrate defence officials in London in a single building and sell the Old War Office.

"Bringing MOD teams together into one building will save the taxpayer around £8m a year in running costs as well as generating a capital receipt. It will also enable closer working and collaboration within the department.

The disposal of the Old War Office follows the announcement of the sale of the military facility in Old Brompton Road, London.

(IT/JP)

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