The Metropolitan Police is attempting to buy New Scotland Yard after the premises were put on the market with an asking price of more than £100 million.

The force pays an annual rent of £4,714,500 on the grey 1960s office block in London, which commands impressive views over Westminster, and holds the lease until 2064. It was put up for sale this week by Land Securities, Britain’s largest commercial property company.

Taxpayers’ money will fund the purchase of the site, with one of the main financial considerations believed to be expensive modifications made to the building, including extensive security measures.

A special meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) was held yesterday to discuss the proposals. A spokesman said: “An extraordinary meeting of the MPA full authority met and agreed that negotiations to purchase the freehold of New Scotland Yard should be progressed.”

The 20-storey building, famous for its silver revolving sign, has been home to the Met since the late 1960s and houses senior officers as well as Counter Terrorism Command and other secretive units.

Land Securities is thought to be reducing its portfolio because of tough market conditions. A spokesman said: “We can confirm that we are in discussion with a select number of investors about New Scotland Yard.”

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