Senedd's Tŷ Hywel Building to Undergo Major Renovation
Tŷ Hywel, the Cardiff Bay building housing offices for Members of the Senedd (MSs) and their staff, is scheduled for a significant refurbishment.
The current lease for the privately-owned complex, where the Senedd operates, expires in 2032. The Senedd Commission, responsible for managing the Welsh Parliament, has been reviewing options for the building's future use.
In a communication to staff this week, the chief executive of the Welsh Parliament indicated that renewing the lease is now considered the "best" option, though it will require "extensive work" to upgrade the facility.
The exact cost of the renovation has not yet been determined, but it will be funded by the private owner of the building.
BBC Wales has learned that under a proposed new 50-year agreement, the Senedd would have the option to purchase Tŷ Hywel for £1 in 2082.
Tŷ Hywel is situated directly behind the main Senedd building and is connected by two bridges, allowing MSs and staff to move easily between the two locations.
The building has served as office space for Senedd staff since 1998, predating the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) in 1999.
Prior to the opening of the Senedd building in 2006, Tŷ Hywel also housed the main debating chamber.
Currently, the building is owned by Equitix, a London-based company, with the Senedd Commission paying an annual rent of £2.7 million.
With the existing 25-year lease ending in 2032, the Commission has explored multiple options for future staff accommodation, including relocating to a different office block or constructing a new facility.
Chief Executive Confirms Lease Renewal and Planned Upgrades
In a memo dated Wednesday, Chief Executive Manon Bonner stated that following "an extensive procurement exercise," the decision was made that remaining in Tŷ Hywel and collaborating with the landlord, Equitix, represents the most cost-effective solution.
"After an extensive procurement exercise, we have concluded that remaining in Tŷ Hywel and working with our landlord, Equitix, is the best and most cost-effective option."
Bonner further explained that Equitix has committed to performing "extensive work" to upgrade Tŷ Hywel to meet the standards of a "modern, accessible and sustainable workplace."
The refurbishment plans include replacing windows and lifts, enhancing the building's energy efficiency, and reconfiguring the interior layout to create more open and functional spaces.
"Extensive work" will be carried out to bring Tŷ Hywel up to the standards of "a modern, accessible and sustainable workplace."
Staff were informed that a final decision on the refurbishment proposal will be made by the Senedd Commission in the Autumn.
If approved, construction work is expected to take place between 2027 and 2031.
Bonner cautioned that during the renovation period,
"it may be necessary for some Senedd Commission staff to work from locations near the Senedd temporarily."
Recent Parliamentary Estate Upgrades
Recent modifications to the parliamentary estate were undertaken to accommodate 36 additional MSs and their staff, increasing the total number of MSs to 96 for the most recent election.
These upgrades, which included renovating the debating chamber to add 36 more desks and installing upgraded technology, are estimated to have cost taxpayers £4.2 million.
