The hunt is on to find a firm to refurbish the Grade II listed Old Admiralty Building in Westminster.

The Department for Education is due to move into the building in the summer of 2017 and has signed up Mace as project manager for the 250,000 sq ft modernisation programme.

Mace has just started the search for a fit-out contractor to handle the big refurbishment job, which is due to start in November 2015.

The move is a direct result of the Cabinet Office’s programme to consolidate and modernise the government estate. It will involve providing space for 1,600 staff, who are currently working in leasehold accommodation.

Mace, working with BDP as lead designer and Hoare Lea, will be working closely with the DfE to deliver the project. It will provide CDM, cost consultancy, and full multi-disciplinary design services.

The building is to be designed and refurbished to achieve the BREEAM “Very Good” rating and offer value for money.