Refurbishing the Palace of Westminster could cost nearly £40bn if MPs stay on site during the works, the committee overseeing the project has estimated.
In an update report, submitted to parliament last month, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board outlined the costs and timelines of the two main options for refurbishing both Houses.
Refurbishing after fully decanting MPs and peers from the Palace for up to 24 years from 2032 could cost £15.6bn, according to the report.
The other option is an enhanced maintenance and improvement plan, under which the House of Lords would move into the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Conference Centre for up to 13 years. MPs would then use the Lords chamber while work takes place on the House of Commons for up to two years. The board estimates this option would take up to 61 years to deliver and pose a higher fire risk than a full decant.
A decision on which option to pursue should be taken by mid-2030, the report states. It recommends an initial package of ‘phase one works’ of up to £3bn over seven years. This would include preparation of temporary accommodation by refurbishing the former Department of Health headquarters at Richmond House and the QEII Conference Centre.
Other phase one elements could include enabling works, such as decanting heritage items and installing temporary services and utilities.
