Information about Palestra House Public viewing room

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.034942

I note you seek access to the following information:

Palestra House..197 Blackfriars Rd, SE1
MET Disciplinary hearing centre

1a)How much did the recently re-vamped public viewing room cost in total..... including design costs.?
1b)Who designed it ?
1c)Who signed off on the plans ?
1d)Who is in charge day to day of this unit ?

2a)How much does an average hearing cost per day?
2b)How much does the independent chairman get paid per day?
2c)How much does the lay panel member get paid per day?

3)Why is the viewing room designed to be so uncomfortable, it looks like a toddler designed it ?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1a - How much did the recently re-vamped public viewing room cost in total..... including design costs.?

The cost of the viewing Rooms to the rear of the hearing rooms was £43,093.53 per room for construction and engineering services. The professional fees were £3,447.50 per room.

Total cost for the 2 rooms including professional fees was £93,082.00 (Excluding VAT)

Q1b - Who designed it ?

The facility was designed by Hamilton’s Architects. Input was also given by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) including from the Assistant Director, Estate Security and Standards and the relevant cyber security accreditors and PSU.

Q1c - Who signed off on the plans ?

The plans were signed off by The Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) in that they met the requirements and by the above accreditors with regards to security and ICT.

Q1d - Who is in charge day to day of this unit ?

Inspector Scott Didham

Q2a - How much does an average hearing cost per day?

Information not held

Q2b - How much does the independent chairman get paid per day?
Q2c - How much does the lay panel member get paid per day?

Legally Qualified Chairs (LQC) and Independent Panel Members (IPM) fees are set by the Home Office.
£511 a day for LQC.s
£211 for IPM’s

Q3 - Why is the viewing room designed to be so uncomfortable, it looks like a toddler designed it ?

Information not held