Member

It is right that the commission did not specify a particular site, nor propose that the learning centre must be underground. The decision on a site, and the choice of a design suitable for the site selected, were matters to be taken forward after the commission produced its report. The commission was quite explicit in noting that it had not found a site that met all its aspirations. Three sites were mentioned in its report, all of which had some strengths, but none unequivocally met its objectives. It was the task of the foundation appointed in 2015 to conduct further searches and to recommend a site. When the foundation identified Victoria Tower Gardens, it was unanimous in its view that this was the right site. As we have discussed already in this Committee, having chosen the site, the Government commissioned a world-class design team to produce the proposal that we are now seeking to take forward.