Case study

Palace of Westminster: Restoring one of the world’s most iconic buildings

The Palace of Westminster is a one million square foot Grade One Listed UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. The majority of the site has never been restored or refurbished and it’s now in significant decline. The heating, ventilation, water, drainage and electrical systems are all antiquated and there is extensive stonework decay and leaking roofs. The Palace appointed Deloitte Real Estate in 2014 to undertake an Independent Options Appraisal (IOA) for a significant restoration and renewal programme for the building.

The IOA will form a key piece of evidence for Members of Parliament across all parties to debate and agree a way forward in early 2016. Our report does not recommend a particular solution but models options on an impartial and independent basis. MPs will have to decide how this multi-billion pound programme is both delivered and funded.

We have used Deloitte’s Infrastructure & Capital Programmes network and engaged with the leaders of other major programmes, potential delivery partners, consultants and contractors to deliver comprehensive information to support our findings.

Our analysis indicates that the restoration and renewal of the UK’s most famous building will be a challenging and potentially expensive exercise, but that it could also generate significant benefits to Parliament and the UK more widely. Recent mega-project success stories, such as London 2012 and Crossrail, demonstrate the UK’s capability to deliver such projects successfully.

Richard Ware, the Restoration and Renewal Programme Director, said:

“It is clear from this report that Parliament is faced with some difficult choices. The Palace of Westminster is a building of huge national and international importance and we face a massive challenge in securing its future. Parliament will now consider the recommendations of the IOA and will do everything possible to secure value for money and ensure transparency throughout the process.”

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