Plans are being made for a new major office building for the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. The current lease on the Ty Hywel building, which houses MSs and staff, is set to expire in 2032.

Four options are being considered for the 'Bay 2032' project: building new offices, extending the lease, buying Ty Hywel, or moving into a nearby property. Elin Jones, the Welsh Parliament's speaker, has emphasised that no decision has been made yet, except that the new offices must be next to the Senedd building.

In a letter to MSs, she confirmed that the Senedd Commission will start a market engagement exercise to find interest in providing new offices. The Ty Hywel building, located behind the Senedd and home to members' offices, Senedd Commission staff and the Welsh Government, is currently leased for about £2m a year.

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However, with the 25-year lease on the building, valued at £42m in 2021, coming to an end, the commission is exploring all options for the future. Ms Jones wrote: "You may be aware that the current lease on Ty Hywel expires in 2032, which means we will need to make a decision on what course of action to take well in advance of that date.

"This also gives us an opportunity to rethink what we need from our office spaces in the long term and ensure that we make a decision that delivers the best value for public money. This project is not related to Senedd reform."This project is not related to Senedd reform.

"A 96-member Senedd could be accommodated in Ty Hywel in May 2026. Commissioners have asked officials to consider post-2032 accommodation, working closely with our professional property and legal advisers, and so we will shortly be undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand what viable options we have beyond 2032."

Ty Hywel, previously owned by Kuwaiti investors, was bought by London-based infrastructure fund manager Equitix in 2019. The building, which is linked to the Senedd by glass walkways, housed the National Assembly's first debating chamber until 2006.

The lease requires the commission to maintain Ty Hywel and replace items such as windows, doors and boilers, which would require significant investment. In 2020, the cost of replacing the 30 year old windows was estimated at £6m.

This follows a unanimous decision to explore options at a January 29 meeting of the commission, which includes the Llywydd and members of the three main parties. The commission has allocated £1.6m over three years to the Bay 2032 project, stating that sustainability, value for money and procurement best practice will guide decision-making.

Ms Jones said: "It is important to note the ending of this current Ty Hywel lease does not impact on either the Senedd building or the Pierhead we will only be looking at Ty Hywel.

"I would like to assure you that no decision has been taken on this issue, other than to establish that our office accommodation must be adjacent to the Senedd itself.

"Our considerations are at a very early stage, and we will engage further with members as the process develops."

She also updated on plans to expand the Senedd debating chamber, or Siambr, to accommodate more members if reforms are approved.

MSs are currently considering the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) bill which would increase the size of the Welsh Parliament from 60 to 96 members.

Under the 'Siambr 2026' project, a contract has been awarded to RSHP (formerly known as Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners) the architects which designed the Senedd after a competitive tender process.

Ms Jones wrote: "I am eager for members outside the commission to engage with the Siambr work as it progresses and a member reference group will be established in the coming weeks to this end."

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Tory group in the Senedd, said: "The Welsh Conservatives will approach any discussions with Welsh taxpayers' interests as a priority."

Mike Hedges, a Labour backbencher, who represents Swansea East, argued the Senedd Commission should buy Ty Hywel.

"Renting makes no economic or business sense," he said.

The Lib Dems shared their thoughts: "Our view is that like any organisation, the Senedd needs suitable accommodation that meets the needs of its staff. However, it's important that any decision made balances the long-term needs of the Senedd alongside value for taxpayers' money. This is a normal course for any business and it is important that the Senedd is able to be the dynamic organisation that it needs to be for the sake of Welsh democracy."

A spokesperson for the Senedd Commission explained: "The current lease on Ty Hywel, which accommodates members and their staff in Cardiff Bay, expires in 2032. Work is under way by Senedd Commission officials to ensure that suitable office space is available beyond this point. A thorough procurement process will now take place which is focused on sustainability and securing the best value-for-money in the long term, in line with best practice."