A media lounge, a drivers’ lounge and garage facilities are among the buildings being constructed on the compound of the official residence and Diplomatic Centre of the Prime Minister, a release from Whitehall stated on Wednesday.

There has been much speculation about the huge three-storey structure which has gone up within recent weeks on the northern side of the Diplomatic Centre. Previous attempts to get information were not entirely successful. 

But on Wednesday the PM’s office issued the following press release:  

’The Diplomatic Centre has increased its capacity with the inclusion of a building now under construction and nearing completion. This is the final facility to complete the annexures to the compound of the official residence and Diplomatic Centre, these now include media and drivers’ lounges and garage facilities. The structure which was part of the original concept provides for a stage, dressing room for artistes, a holding area, toilet facilities for performers and guests, storage of equipment such as tents, tables etc.

The ballroom of the Diplomatic Centre only accommodates 250 guests and the new structure will enable 1,000 persons to be assembled in open air, whenever occasions arise for appropriate events. It will be remembered that hitherto it was not possible to gather such numbers successfully. This final building will improve the functionality of the Diplomatic Centre and bring it to optimum operating capacity as it was originally intended’.

This is the second major addition to the Prime Minister’s residence and Diplomatic Centre since its completion in October 2007. The original cost of the residence and centre which was put at $148 million, rose to $175 million after additional work had been done last year. The release gives no indication on the cost of the most recent addition or the expected date of completion.