The government has put in a non-binding offer on a property on Fleet Street in London as it advances plans to establish an Anguilla office in the United Kingdom.
Premier Cora Richardson Hodge said the offer is intended to open the door for due diligence, including valuation, legal review and occupancy arrangements, should it be accepted.
Speaking at a press conference on 9 March, she said these checks will ensure that any acquisition is “prudent, properly structured and represents value for money for the people of Anguilla”.
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The premier, who also serves as finance minister, stressed that “no final decision has been taken at this stage, but the work is moving forward carefully and deliberately”.
In response to being asked the list price, Richardson Hodge said she could not recall it, adding that the figure is a “moving target” while other offers are on the table.
Richardson Hodge said the government had considered more than 30 properties on the market before putting in the offer on the Fleet Street site, and stressed that the search is ongoing.
She added that the permanent secretary has been instructed to keep track of new opportunities as they arise, adding: “that we continue to pay attention to what’s happening”.
The property was identified as suitable due to its central location, sufficient space to accommodate both the Anguilla UK representative and future tourism staff, and space for hosting events or student activities.
Anguilla House
Richardson Hodge first announced the initiative at a press conference on 22 December 2025, saying she was “very excited to bring this to the public’s attention”.
The premier said past governments as well as many Anguillians overseas had complained for several years about the lack of presence in the UK.
She explained that a government underspend in 2025 has allowed public funds to be allocated to acquire property in London and said the Executive Council gave approval on 16 December 2025.
On 26 January, the premier said the administration has set aside US$5–6 million for the office which is intended to be used as a “hub” to house Anguilla’s UK-based representative Blondel Cluff.
It will also accommodate future destination marketing staff and visiting officials, and serve as a point of contact for Anguillians relocating or visiting for education or medical reasons, she said.
“What that presence means is that we have the ability to have continued engagement with the United Kingdom,” the premier said.
Opposition member Merrick Richardson went on to raise detailed parliamentary questions on the matter at the 10 February meeting of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
Opposition petition
The Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) has launched a petition calling on the government to cancel the proposed purchase of multi-million dollar property in London.
The change.org petition, which has gathered 64 signatures to date, states that the purchase would “commit the country to significant upfront costs and ongoing expenses for years to come”.
It adds that the “major financial undertaking” has not yet been publicly debated in the Anguilla House of Assembly and full details have not been disclosed to the public.
“At a time when resources are limited and many urgent needs exist at home, such a purchase raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, transparency and priorities,” the petition says.
“Other territories successfully maintain UK offices through rental arrangements without placing a large capital burden on their citizens.”
The petition ends by calling on the government to cancel the proposed purchase and pursue more affordable, transparent and accountable alternatives “that protect the nation’s financial future”.
The petition can been seen in full here.
