Cracking Up! Inside Parliament’s £10bn Palace Makeover
More than 50 top engineers, surveyors and specialists clocked a whopping 4,700 hours over the summer recess to inspect every inch of the 150-year-old Palace of Westminster.
They’ve examined 2,343 rooms and spaces – spotting cracked stonework, water damage, and a tangled mess of ancient wiring and pipes. This mammoth survey is paving the way for an urgent, massive restoration plan set for Parliament’s approval in 2023.
Iconic Building Falling to Pieces
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Leader of the House of Commons, said: “The Houses of Parliament is a worldwide symbol of our nation, but it desperately needs care. We must justify every penny to taxpayers by focusing on essential repairs that’ll secure the Palace for future generations.”
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park, Leader of the House of Lords, added: “This survey work is crucial to understand the scale and complexity of the restoration. It means MPs and Lords can scrutinise the costs and get real value for money.”
Victorian Windows, Gas Lights & Candle Chandeliers – All on the Ropes
- Original Victorian stained-glass windows are sagging and warping with age.
- The labyrinth of gas, electric, water, and heating pipes beneath is a nightmare to fix.
- Experts uncovered quirky gas light fittings flipped upside down during their 100-year-old electric conversions.
- The Palace likely houses the world’s oldest gas lighting system still in use.
- Stunning candle chandeliers survived the great 1834 fire and have been meticulously recorded.
Surveyors Walk 240km, Run 300 Sound Tests
Acoustic experts meticulously measured sound quality in 80 rooms, running 300 tests over 240 kilometres of walking inside the building. Specialists in ecology, doors, windows, architecture and engineering joined in from all over the UK for this unprecedented deep-dive.
Restoring History, Creating Jobs
Sarah Johnson, CEO of the Restoration & Renewal Sponsor Body, said: “This essential programme will protect our historic Parliament for generations to come. The detailed surveys are shaping our restoration plan, finally uncovering true costs and timelines.”
David Goldstone, CEO of the Delivery Authority, said: “Our team is building the most detailed record of Parliament ever created, paving the way for the vital restoration of one of the world’s most famous buildings.”
The work will continue through winter and 2023 with even more in-depth surveys. The full Restoration and Renewal scheme promises thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships, bringing traditional craftsmanship and modern skills together in a UK-wide effort.
