Boris orders Royal Dock review

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has ordered a review after an investigation by Channel 4 News raised questions about the appointment of Advanced Business Parks to develop the 35-acre Royal Albert Dock in east London. Channel 4’s investigation questioned wither ABP was given favourable treatment during the tender process, highlighting donations to the Conservative Party by an adviser for ABP. The mayor’s review was launched after Channel 4 contacted City Hall to raise questions about the procurement process at the start of November. A spokesman said the mayor “refutes the allegations” made by Channel 4 News. “A competitive procurement process was followed and due diligence, including financial checks, carried out that did not raise any cause for concern for the Greater London Authority. ABP won the competition on the basis that its bid for the site scored higher than its competitors. After Channel 4 made enquiries regarding this project the mayor’s team again demonstrated their unswerving commitment to a completely fair and transparent selection process, by commissioning a review of the procurement arrangements by the Greater London Authority’s internal auditors. We expect that review to report back imminently.” Xu Weiping Advanced Business Parks was selected by the GLA to develop the site in May 2014. jack.sidders@estatesgazette.com