The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has started the process of selling its current premises in Belgravia House, Westminster and looking for new premises.
At its November meeting, RCVS Council agreed, in principle, the sale of the building and for the RCVS and its London-based staff to move to different premises.
The sale of the building and the move will be overseen by the College’s Estate Strategy Project Board headed by former RCVS President Barry Johnson and including current and former RCVS Council members and RCVS staff.
The RCVS has been based at its current premises in 62-64 Horseferry Road for 25 years.
The decision has been put down to a projected increase in the number of staff and the need for more up-to-date and modern facilities.
Alternatives, including expanding the current premises by adding or expanding floors, have been explored but, due to the fact that the building is in a conservation area, it has become clear that any such expansions would be unlikely to get planning permission from Westminster Council.
New RCVS headquarters
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive, said: “Even putting our need for increased space on one side, Belgravia House requires major refurbishment in key areas – such as air-conditioning and lifts – which would require staff to vacate the premises for up to 18 months; a process which would be costly and disruptive.
“We are therefore pleased that council has recognised the need for the college to move somewhere that better reflects our needs and, over the coming months, we will be exploring a number of different options for new premises.
“In parallel to this, we have put out an invitation to tender for agents to manage the sale of the building.
“The plan is for the arrangement to include lease-back so that we have time to find a suitable premises and enabling us to act quickly when we do.”
