University reveals bid for naval college

IAN MACKINNON

As the deadline for opening bids for the Royal Naval College in Greenwich passed at noon yesterday, one of the key contenders revealed details of its offer.

Civil servants from the Ministry of Defence, which will play a leading role in sifting the proposals, disclosed that it had received eight sealed expressions of interest but declined to name the bidders.

However, minutes after the deadline passed the University of Greenwich, supported by the National Maritime Museum, outlined its plan which focused on the increased public access to Wren's architectural masterpiece on the Thames.

Equally, the university stressed that an integral part of its scheme involved establishing a committee, on which it would have minimal representation, to set guidelines for maintenance to ensure the buildings' upkeep.

But once those elements designed to reassure the Government and the public are stripped away, Greenwich wants to amalgamate the college with some of its other sites to cater for about 2,000 students.

John McWilliam, the university's deputy vice-chancellor, said that in using the buildings as an educational establishment it would be in keeping with the naval college's past.

Greenwich's plan would also result in few of the 300-year-old buildings being changed from their present use as offices, tiered lecture theatres or residential accommodation for students.

Of greatest concern in the wake of the announcement of the sale of the 150-year lease was the fate of the chapel and Great Painted Hall.

The university wishes that the chapel should be used by the students and local people as a place of worship and for musical performances, while the hall would primarily be used for civic functions by the Borough of Greenwich, though the public would have access to both.

The university would slowly assume responsibility for 75 per cent of the pounds 2m annual upkeep budget, the balance paid by the Government.

In an effort to enhance the appeal of the buildings, and aid its World Heritage Site application, the university will reduce the current 200 parking spaces within the complex.

The other bidders, which have chosen not to reveal their identities, will also have adapted their offers to show that their plans a "sympathetic to the character of the site".

The MoD, in consultation with the National Heritage department, English Heritage and other bodies, will assess the suitability of each offer and ask for more detailed plans and presentations with a final decision not expected until the middle of next year.