GOC move delayed

The General Optical Council’s (GOC) relocation has been temporarily shelved due to delays with the refurbishment of its new offices.

Earlier this year the regulator announced its plans to move from its current location at 41 Harley Street to new offices in the Farringdon area of the capital, which expected to be completed by late August.

However, a spokesperson for the GOC told OT that the move has been pushed back due to delays in the refurbishment of the new premises, located at 10 Old Bailey.

The £770,000 works had been expected to be completed over the summer, but delays to the installation of internet and phone lines have meant the move date of 23 August has now been set back to October.

The regulator has signed a 15-year lease on the new property, which will include new offices, improved IT infrastructure, improved accessibility and facilities to hold fitness to practise hearings.

A spokesperson for the GOC informed OT: “All fitness to practise hearings in the meantime will continue to be held at external venues in London.”

The GOC confirmed it expects to receive approximately £6.85m from the sale of the Harley Street premises.