Reconstruction of the Westminster Hall: costs up to £40 billion and duration up to 61 years

London – 16.06.2026: The extensive reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster, the residence of the British Parliament, faces a significant challenge. The latest report from the National Audit Office (NAO) suggests that the cost of the repairs could reach £40 billion and take up to 61 years. This estimate is based on two different reconstruction options currently under discussion.

The first option, called “Full Decant,” envisions both the House of Commons and the House of Lords completely vacating the building for the entire duration of the renovation. This option will take between 19 and 24 years and cost up to £15.6 billion. This will allow the work to be carried out more concentrated and efficiently.

The second option, known as “Enhanced Maintenance and Improvement+” (EMI+), involves a phased renovation, during which parts of Parliament will continue to function during construction. This method will take between 38 and 61 years and is estimated to cost up to £39.2 billion. The advantage is ensuring the continuous operation of Parliament, but the longer construction duration significantly increases the overall costs.

Regardless of the chosen reconstruction strategy, the report recommends an initial phase lasting up to seven years with a budget of around £3 billion. This work includes the construction of temporary chambers and offices, repairs to the Victoria Tower, as well as preparatory restorations of the medieval Cloister Court.

The NAO report highlights the urgency of the reconstruction, as the building faces serious structural problems: outdated mechanical and electrical equipment, fire risks, and high levels of asbestos contamination. Currently, £1.5 million is spent weekly on maintenance and repair work without addressing the fundamental deficiencies.

A decision on the preferred reconstruction option will be made in the coming years. The final choice is expected no later than mid-2030. This decision will have a defining impact on the future condition of the parliamentary building and the scope of repair work.

The reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster is not only a technical construction project but also a political challenge. Critics emphasize the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, given the high costs and duration of the process. At the same time, delays only contribute to further rising costs.

The progress and outcomes of this reconstruction will have a significant impact on British politics and public trust in major state construction projects. Heritage preservation requirements and the necessity of modern safety standards must be carefully balanced.