Stmnt re Orchard Wharf

Grafton Group PLC
17 November 2000


GRAFTON  GROUP  PLC

ORCHARD WHARF


Grafton Group plc announces that Big Orchard Limited has failed to complete
the purchase of the site known as Orchard Wharf announced on 24th August. Big
Orchard Limited has forfeited its cash deposit of STG£750,000 (EUR1.24m),
which has now been transferred to Grafton.   Grafton is examining the best
method of releasing the premium value inherent in this site.

For Reference:                          17 November 2000

Michael Chadwick                        Joe Murray
Executive Chairman                      Murray Consultants
Grafton Group plc                       Telephone:  ++(353)[phone]
Telephone:  ++(353)[phone]

Colm O Nuallain                         Ginny Pulbrook
Finance Director                        Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Grafton Group plc                       Telephone:  ++(44)[phone]
Telephone:  ++(353)[phone]


This statement is also available on our web site www.graftonplc.com