Morgan pressed to reach HQ decision

An artist's impression of the new building

First Secretary Rhodri Morgan must complete his review of plans for a new Welsh Assembly building without further delay.

On Tuesday, Assembly Members debated the future of the £23m project, which was put on hold in March.

Members backed a call that the whole review should be completed within three months.

Mr Morgan denied claims that he was considering City Hall in Cardiff as an alternative to the Cardiff Bay site.

Rhodri Morgan is considering the future of the Assembly building

He did, however, point to the travelling time of civil servants moving between their base in Cathays Park and a new building in Cardiff Bay.

He said this had not been included in the original costings of the building project.

Conservative calls to scrap the building were rejected by Mr Morgan.

He said that he expected to read further reports over the Easter recess and report back to the Assembly in May.

'Lack of vision'

Plaid Cymru had previously accused Mr Morgan of dithering over plans for a new building, while Mr Morgan said he wanted to further study the figures.

Plaid's Business Manager, Ieuan Wyn Jones, had attacked what he called Mr Morgan's "lack of vision".

Mr Morgan has said there were three options for Assembly members to consider.

They are the temporary home becoming permanent, the Assembly going to other premises in Cardiff or the plan for the new chamber getting the go-ahead.

If it goes ahead, the new building - designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership - would house a debating chamber, committee rooms and offices.

It is due to be built adjacent to the Assembly's current temporary home in a converted office block in Cardiff Bay.