GLA eyes December move from ‘expensive’ South Bank HQ

The Greater London Authority is preparing to move into its new headquarters at the Crystal, E16, in the Royal Docks at the start of the new year. It will move out of its current home, at More London on the South Bank, in the next two weeks. The organisation will use the Union Street offices on a temporary basis, before relocating to Docklands in January. The GLA owns the Crystal and has described it as “one of the world’s most sustainable buildings”, in contrast with its current “expensive base”. It is owned by Kuwaiti-backed St Martins Property Group. The group made the decision to vacate the premises last year. However, the move has faced delays due to global supply issues and and long-term water damage to the building’s floor, forcing additional work. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “City Hall’s move to the Crystal building will usher in a new era for the Greater London Authority and this flourishing part of east London.” The move will save the GLA £61m over five years. The GLA aims to invest that money into front-line services including policing, the London Fire Brigade and transport. Khan added: “It will also enable me to invest further in London’s economic recovery from the pandemic.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Image © The Greater London Authority