Swap Westminster for ‘Eastminster’ says Hackney MP Meg Hillier

Media centre could be MPs' workplace, says Hackney Meg Hillier MP

Hackney MP Meg Hillier has suggested Westminster becomes “Eastminster” with a temporary move to Hackney to allow much needed repairs to take place to the Houses of Parliament.

During a debate in the House of Commons on the refurbishment plans for Parliament, Hackney South and Shoreditch MP Meg Hillier praised the “fantastic facility” in the Olympic Park media centre which she said could “happily house Parliament in the interim while the work is done.”

The Palace of Westminster, where MPs, Lords and thousands of staff work every day, is estimated to need around £1 billion worth of repair work which would take months to complete.

The press and broadcast centre was home to 20,000 of the world’s media throughout the Olympics and is due to be converted to a hi-tech business centre by 2014.

A group of MPs are currently considering how to manage the refurbishment of Parliament, which could include a temporary relocation. For MPs often accused of operating in a detached ‘bubble’ in Westminster, a move out of the SW1 postcode could help.

James Morgan, owner of the Hackney Pearl in Wick said Ms Hillier’s suggestion “might give MPs a more comprehensive perspective” and it could act as a “good boost for the area.”

Fish Island resident Stuart Paciej, felt it would be “relevant with the summer Games and legacy” as well as being “interesting for them (MPs) to see” the borough.

However iCity, the preferred bidder for legacy use of the press and broadcast centre, has ruled out playing host to MPs.

Chief Executive Gavin Poole said they want to deliver “a world-class technology and innovation hub” and while they look forward to welcoming any MP or peer that wishes to visit once the facility is open, they would not consider use of the centre by Parliament.