Report Warns Palace Of Westminster ‘At Risk Of Collapse’

A new report has warned that the iconic Palace of Westminster is at risk of collapsing and is in need of urgent refurbishment. The Architect’s Journal reports that the 19th century neogothic structure is in a poor state of disrepair and the delaying of renewal projects could lead to a ‘catastrophic event.’

The original Palace of Westminster, which contains the UK Houses of Parliament, burnt down in the Great Fire of 1834. A public competition was organised to design the replacement building, and it attracted 97 entries. From a final shortlist of four, the entry by Charles Barry for a Gothic revival style building was selected.

Construction of the new building began in 1840, and it wasn’t fully completed until 1870, although the House of Commons was able to sit in the new Palace from 1952 onwards. The new building was praised for balancing tradition and imagination with a functional design that was well suited to the needs of a modern parliament. 

However, 150 years later, the building is straining under the weight of multiple urgent renovation challenges. The huge and complex structure costs £1.4m per week to maintain, and is the workplace of thousands of people. It covers an area of 34 acres, and this is served by an outdated water, sewage, gas and electric system.

Furthermore, the building is considered to be at high risk of flooding, fire, and falling stones, and is also riddled with toxic asbestos. It is predicted that a full restoration programme will cost multiple billions of pounds. However, plans to vacate the building and temporarily transfer parliament to a neighbouring site were cancelled in 2020.

Now, a report published by the Commons’ Public Accounts Committee said there was a ‘real and rising risk that a catastrophic event will destroy the Palace before it is ever repaired and restored’. It also criticised the ‘years of procrastination and debate’ around implementing a comprehensive and integrated repair and restoration programme.

In response, a UK Parliament spokesperson said: ‘We are already getting on with work across the Parliamentary estate to ensure the safety of those who work and visit here, and to support the continued business of Parliament. This includes planning for the large and complex restoration of the Palace of Westminster to preserve it for future generations.’

‘Last year, members of both houses agreed a more integrated approach to restoration, prioritising safety-critical work. The Restoration and Renewal Programme Board is shortlisting options for the restoration and members in both houses are expected to vote on the way forward later this year.’

The Palace of Westminster is a unique part of Britain’s heritage, is Grade I listed and a Unesco world heritage site that houses many works of art. It’s one of a handful of buildings that is universally recognised around the world, and it draws thousands of visitors every year, boosting the economy. 

However, it is now clear that this much-loved building can no longer withstand being patched up, and is in need of urgent and significant refurbishment.

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