Written - Intention to award the Contract for the construction of the Llandudno Junction office

In September last year I announced that following a Pause and Review of the Llandudno Junction office project, there was a need to subject the construction contract to a re-procurement exercise to further test the market and ensure value for money.

I can now inform you of the intended outcome of the re-procurement exercise. In line with European Union procurement procedures, the Welsh Assembly Government has now entered a 10 day mandatory standstill period. It is our intention at this stage, subject to the outcome of the standstill period, for the contract with Pochin PLC to commence on 20 October 2008.

This is really positive news and the decision to re-procure the contract will be fully justified due to the improvements made and the demonstrable value for money achieved.

Subject to the outcome of the standstill period, construction activity will start as quickly as possible and aims to be completed by spring 2010. This will be followed by a period of internal fit out of furniture and ICT prior to the building being occupied by summer 2010.

This is really positive news and gives a reassurance of our strong commitment to the project. This office will be a significant asset for both the Welsh Assembly Government and the people of North Wales.