Gordon Campbell, Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, today announced the completion of the sale of Macdonald House, Canada’s property at One Grosvenor Square in London, England’s Mayfair District.

The Government of Canada’s intention to sell the property was first announced in the House of Commons in November 2013. Contracts were exchanged on November 28, 2013, when the property was acquired by Lodha Group. The purchase price was £306 million, equivalent to C$564.5 today.

The completion of the sale is an important step in Canada’s plan to consolidate the Canadian high commission’s diplomatic activities in the United Kingdom at Canada House on Trafalgar Square in central London.

“A revitalized Canada House on Trafalgar Square is an ideal location from which to represent Canadian interests and provide our clients with easier access to our services,” said Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. “It will showcase Canada, building on our historic partnership with the United Kingdom, and will reflect Canada in the 21st century.

“The consolidation of our presence in Canada House demonstrates that Canada can have a world-class facility representing Canadians abroad and still offer huge savings to Canadian taxpayers.”

“I am pleased that the plans to consolidate our high commission in the United Kingdom into one location are progressing well,” said High Commissioner Campbell. “We are looking forward to moving to Canada House, Canada’s traditional home in the United Kingdom, at the end of this year.”

src:news.gc.ca