Restoration Work at the Palace of Westminster: Costs Up to £40 Billion and Duration Up to 61 Years

London – June 16, 2026: The extensive restoration work at the Palace of Westminster, the home of the UK Parliament, faces a very significant challenge. According to the latest report by the National Audit Office (NAO), restoration costs are estimated to reach up to £40 billion, with a duration possibly extending up to 61 years. This estimate is based on two different restoration plans currently under consideration.

The first plan, called the “Full Decant,” assumes that both the House of Commons and House of Lords would completely vacate the building during the renovation period. This method requires a construction period of 19 to 24 years, with costs reaching up to £15.6 billion. This plan allows the work to be carried out more intensively and efficiently.

The second plan, “Enhanced Maintenance and Improvement+ (EMI+),” involves phased repairs while part of Parliament continues to be used during construction. This approach would take 38 to 61 years and is estimated to cost up to £39.2 billion. Although it allows parliamentary functions to continue, the long construction period significantly increases overall costs.

Whichever restoration strategy is chosen, the report recommends an initial phase lasting about 7 years, with estimated costs of approximately £3 billion. This phase includes the construction of temporary chambers and offices, the refurbishment of the Victoria Tower, and preliminary restoration work on the medieval Cloister Court.

The NAO report emphasizes the urgency of building repairs. Serious structural issues exist, including aging mechanical and electrical systems, fire risks, and high levels of asbestos contamination. Currently, maintenance and repair costs run at £1.5 million per week, but fundamental defects remain unresolved.

The final decision on the restoration method is expected to be made within the next few years, by mid-2030 at the latest. This decision will be critically important for the future condition of the parliamentary buildings and the composition of the restoration plan.

The restoration of the Palace of Westminster is not just a technical construction project but also a political challenge. Critics have raised calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds due to the enormous costs and long duration. On the other hand, delays raise concerns about further cost increases.

The progress and outcome of this restoration project will have a major impact on public trust in UK politics and large-scale government construction projects. A careful balance must be struck between the demands of preserving historic buildings and the necessity of modern safety standards.