Architecture Update: Pavilion options

ONE of the latest ideas for Nicholas Grimshaw's British Pavilion at the Seville Expo is to turn it into a car showroom. The Department of Trade and Industry this week said two international motor companies were among six potential buyers for the structure when it becomes available in October. The multinational conglomerate Monsanto has already put in a bid, as has the British Science and Technology Trust, which has an ambitious plan to reconstruct the steel and glass building in the grounds of London Zoo. Meanwhile, Kent County Council has shown interest in relocating the pavilion as part of the Eurotunnel rail terminal at Ashford. The estate agent Healey & Baker, appointed to sell the pavilion, has set an asking price of pounds 2m- pounds 3m. Shipping the dismantled building to Britain would cost a further pounds 2m.