After years of speculation about what will happen with Ty Hywel, the building next to the Senedd which houses MSs and staff, a deal has been done.
Ty Hywel, which was bought by Equitix in 2019 and was previously owned by Qatari investors, is to be renovated to modern standards.
The building is linked to the Senedd by glass walkways and housed the National Assembly's first debating chamber until 2006.
The 25-year lease for the building is coming to an end, and there are major renovation works needed. In 2020 the cost of replacing the 30-year-old windows was estimated at £6m.
As part of what was known as the Bay 2032 project four options were looked at: building new offices, extending the lease, buying Ty Hywel, or moving into a nearby property. They were discussed at length in the previous Senedd term.
A decision has now been taken and the preferred option is for staff to remain in Ty Hywel with major renovation works to be carried out.
A Senedd Commission spokesman said: "Our lease on Ty Hywel expires in 2032.
"We recently undertook a procurement exercise, in line with HM Treasury guidance, to ensure suitable office space is available to Members of the Senedd and staff beyond this point and to identify the most cost-effective option.
"To keep us as a tenant our current landlord, Equitix, made a competitive bid which would see them invest significantly to ensure the 30-year-old building is safe and accessible and meets the needs of a modern and efficient building.
"While this is the preferred option no final decision has been made.
"We will work with Equitix to refine plans and our new commissioners will consider the full business case in the autumn."
Chief executive of Senedd Manon Bonner has written to staff and said Equitix has committed to undertaking "extensive work to bring TÅ· Hywel up to the standards of a modern, accessible, and sustainable workplace".
The deal means the windows will be replaced as will the lifts and other facilities.
There will be improvements to the building's energy efficiency and work will also be undertaken to reconfigure the layout.
The proposal will also mean the Senedd will eventually own the building.
A final decision on the proposal will be made by the Senedd Commission this autumn.
If approved this will mean a period of building works across TÅ· Hywel between 2027 and 2031.
Given pressures on space it may be necessary for some Senedd Commission staff to work from locations near the Senedd temporarily.
In her note to staff Ms Bonner told them there may be "some upheaval" but that it will result in "office accommodation which meets the needs of a modern, sustainable parliament".
