Moving out completely while work takes place is the recommended proposal
How to carry out the proposed £6bn revamp of the Palace of Westminster will finally be discussed by MPs early next year.
The debate on 11 January will come more than two years after a report, commissioned by both Houses of Parliament, was published looking at options for carrying out urgent renovation works with costs ranging from £4bn to £6bn and taking up to 30 years to complete.
Last year a joint committee of MPs and peers representing both Houses recommended a full move-out of MPs and peers lasting six years.
In March this year, MPs on the public accounts committee endorsed the joint committee’s recommendation for a full six-year decant, agreeing it was “the most economical, effective and efficient choice” but also criticised the delay by Parliament in getting on with the restoration of the crumbling grade I-listed palace.
The government has said possible options include a full move-out, a partial move out, which would see one House vacate the building at a time, or retaining some presence in the palace, and using nearby Westminster Hall for the duration of the works.
M&E repair work is already being carried out as part of the revamp of the Palace of Westminster to ensure it remains safe for use beyond 2020.
A detailed exploration of the condition of the building is also being undertaken, while strategies for building-wide security, asbestos removal, and fire safety improvements are being made.
These works will ensure Parliament is ready to commission design work once both Houses have made a decision over the length of time work will be carried out.
Work will be carried out by architect BDP and a team led by CH2M, which includes consultant Currie & Brown, after the firms won the two client advisory roles to provide architectural and building design services and programme, project and cost management services over the summer.
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