PLANS to stay at the Cardiff office building where Senedd members, their staff and staff of the Senedd Commission work and hold meetings are in progress after fears were raised that a move might be needed.

The commission governs the Welsh Parliament and its lease on the Ty Hywel office building next to the Senedd itself expires in 2032.

Connected to the Senedd by two glass walkways, the building was bought by London-based firm Equitix in 2019 and the commission shells out £2.7 million a year in rent alone.

Senedd chief executive Manon Bonner told staff that Equitix has “committed to undertaking extensive work to bring Ty Hywel up to the standards of a modern, accessible and sustainable workplace.”

It is understood that as part of a new 50-year deal, the Senedd would be able to buy the building for £1 in 2082.

The commission will make a final decision on the proposal in the autumn.