The Senedd Commission has revealed a "worst-case" plan that could see all staff move out of Tŷ Hywel during a £42m refurbishment of the building, which houses MSs and is linked to the Senedd by glass walkways. The plans could start as soon as January, with construction works expected to finish by April 2030.
Tŷ Hywel, which housed the National Assembly's first debating chamber until 2006, was bought by Equitix in 2019. The 25-year lease for the building is coming to an end, and major renovation works are needed. In 2020, the cost of replacing the 30-year-old windows was estimated at £6m.
Bay 32 project and budget
Known as the "Bay 32" project, the preferred option from the commission is to renovate the existing building. The project is described as "complex," with some £42m ring-fenced for the works, but plans are still being worked on, so a document released today says "more robust cost estimates" will follow.
The final decision about Bay 32 will be made this winter, and the extensive works on Tŷ Hywel would begin during financial year 2027-28. The Senedd Commission budget for the coming year is £109m. While the landlord will pay for the substantive works - reconfiguring the floor plan, replacing windows and lifts - the Senedd Commission will be responsible for the fitout.
Worst-case relocation scenario
The initial bid proposed moving staff in stages, with those remaining being moved around the building in line with the schedule of works. However, the "worst case" planning assumption is for what to do if the level of disruption, noise and vibration becomes intolerable during the works.
The timeline suggested in the document is for a new office block to be fitted out in January 2027, with commission staff working there by summer 2027. Members would be working in a new office by summer or autumn next year. Construction works on Tŷ Hywel would finish by April 2030, and people would return to work in Tŷ Hywel in 2030.
Budget and future options
The majority of the Commission's expenditure relates to staffing costs, and the proposed budget includes a pay award of 3.5% in 2027-28 followed by two years of 3% pay awards. The budget also puts forward a decrease in employer pension contributions from 28.97% to 22.32%.
A Senedd Commission spokesperson said: "Our budget responds to the needs of a larger Senedd, as well as unavoidable cost pressures and strategic investment needs. We have worked hard at minimising costs where possible and securing best value for money."
On Bay 32 specifically, the spokesperson added: "The Senedd's lease on Tŷ Hywel expires in 2032 and we have taken prudent action to ensure the Senedd's long term office accommodation needs. The best-value-for-money option is the refurbishment of Tŷ Hywel by the building's owner. This will be a very substantial project and, if approved, may require the relocation of MSs, their staff and Commission staff to nearby office space. As part of our responsible budgeting, we've had to reflect this scenario, but have ring-fenced the funding to be returned to the public purse if it does not proceed."
The document says once the works are finished, the Commission will have the option to enter into what is described as an "income strip" agreement or buy the freehold of Tŷ Hywel outright. The draft budget will now follow the usual process of being considered and challenged by the Senedd's Finance Committee before a final budget is agreed in November.
