A property in Queen Anne Square

Matt Jones reports for Cardiff University’s Gair Rhydd on the spiraling costs of a property for the university’s new NC:

Cardiff University’s purchase of a property for the new vice-chancellor has cost almost £100,000 more than previously suggested. The house, situated in the prestigious Queen Anne Square, has been purchased for £765,000, making it £90,000 more expensive than the cost of £675,000 reported in issue 970 of gair rhydd.

As previously reported, the house has been bought by the University as a home for new Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan, who takes over from the retiring incumbent Dr. David Grant in September 2012.

The University had previously come under criticism for its judgement in spending such a large amount of money on a property when Professor Riordan will earn around £225,000 per year. In response, a spokesperson had explained that “the University requires a variety of venues for formal and informal events with existing and potential partners. The intended new property, which will be used by the new Vice-Chancellor as a residence, will also host social events with key University partners.”

However, it has now also come to light that in addition to the £765,000 spent on the house, the University will also be paying for a number of developments which will ‘bring the property up to the specification required’. These will include a small extension, a modernisation of the heating and electrical systems, and improved facilities for University guests. The house will also be redecorated and refurnished…

Full story here.