Go-ahead for Met Office HQ

Costain Group PLC
11 October 2001


                              COSTAIN GROUP PLC

                          Go-ahead for Met Office HQ


Construction of the new headquarters for the Met Office in Exeter will begin
this month (October), following agreement today between the Met Office and the
Stratus consortium, comprising Costain Group PLC, Skanska and Group4 Falck
Global Solutions.

The project is valued at £150 million including construction costs and
operating support services for a 15-year period and will involve construction
of two 'supercomputer' halls, an energy centre, computer areas, visitors/
conference centre and library.

Being one of the biggest IT moves in Europe, powerful computer systems and
1,150 staff will move from the existing premises in Bracknell to the new site
on the outskirts of Exeter, close to junction 29 on the M5 motorway. The
process will be supported by consortium service partner, Logica. In total,
34,000 sq. m. of office space will be created.

Met Office Chief Executive, Peter Ewins said:

'I am delighted with this agreement which marks the beginning of a 15-year
partnership with Stratus. I am confident that, working with our new partners
and the people of Devon, we will succeed with this exciting venture.'

The construction, carried out by a Costain-Skanska joint venture, will be
completed in two years. The architect is Broadway Malyan. Group4 Falck Global
Solutions will then operate support services - including property management,
catering, cleaning, logistics, training and leisure facilities - in the
building for 15 years.

                                                               11 October 2001


ENQUIRIES:

Met Office Press Office                                       Tel: [phone]

Stratus                                                       Tel: [phone]

College Hill                                                 Tel: [phone]
Mark Garraway                              email: [e-mail]
Lisa Pearson                                email: [e-mail]