In a move that will severely test training in logistics, 2,600 staff - civilian and military - will move out over 12 consecutive weekends next summer.
The large mid-50s construction is fast becoming a health and safety hazard. It has no fire certificate. A guided tour of the building reveals open wires supported by ageing metal trays screwed into corridor ceilings. Notices warn against sticking pins in asbestos boarding on office walls.
The ministry has now signed a private finance agreement whereby it will lease the modernised building from Modus Services plc for £55m annually for 30 years.
Questioned about such expenditure at a time when the armed forces are short of effective weapons and turning to foreign suppliers for cheaper combat clothing, the MoD insisted yesterday it was money well spent.
The cost of running its existing seven buildings already amounted to £40m a year and an extra £100m would have had to be spent anyway to meet health and fire regulations.
