Two Major Options Presented for Houses of Parliament Restoration
MPs and peers have been presented with two distinct options for the extensive and critically needed restoration of the Houses of Parliament, with projected costs potentially soaring to almost £40 billion. The historic Palace of Westminster is grappling with severe structural and safety issues, prompting urgent consideration of these long-term solutions.
Option One: A Full Decant with Shorter Timeline
The first proposal involves a full decant, requiring both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to relocate entirely from the building. This option is estimated to take between 19 and 24 years to complete, with costs projected to reach up to £15.6 billion. While this approach offers a relatively faster resolution, it necessitates finding temporary accommodations for parliamentary operations, which could pose logistical and political challenges.
Option Two: Staged Works with Parliament in Situ
The alternative plan involves staged works, allowing Parliament to remain in the building throughout the restoration process. However, this method would extend the timeline significantly, lasting between 38 and 61 years, and incurring much higher costs of up to £39.2 billion. This phased approach aims to minimise disruption to daily parliamentary activities but comes with a substantially longer duration and greater financial burden.
Immediate Steps and Current Challenges
An initial seven-year phase of restoration work, costing up to £3 billion, could commence as early as 2026, focusing on the most pressing repairs. A final decision on the main options is expected by mid-2030, giving policymakers ample time to weigh the trade-offs between cost, duration, and operational continuity.
The Palace of Westminster currently faces unsustainable weekly maintenance costs of £1.5 million, highlighting the urgency of action. Critical issues plaguing the building include:
- Failing heating systems that compromise comfort and efficiency.
- Severe sewerage problems requiring immediate attention.
- A history of fire incidents that raise significant safety concerns.
- Twelve asbestos incidents reported within the last decade alone, underscoring ongoing health and safety risks.
These persistent problems not only threaten the integrity of the historic structure but also pose risks to the safety of MPs, staff, and visitors. The restoration plans aim to address these issues comprehensively, ensuring the long-term preservation of this iconic symbol of British democracy.
