Westminster Palace Restoration: Maximum Cost Reaches £40 Billion, Project Could Take Up to 61 Years

London – June 16, 2026: The comprehensive restoration work of the Palace of Westminster, the home of the UK Parliament, is facing major challenges. A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) points out that restoration costs could reach up to £40 billion, and the restoration period could last up to 61 years. This estimate is based on two different restoration plans currently under discussion.

The first plan is called “full relocation,” which involves moving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords out of the building for the entire duration of the restoration. This plan is expected to take 19 to 24 years and cost up to £15.6 billion. This option facilitates a more focused and efficient execution of the restoration work.

The second plan is called “Enhanced Maintenance and Improvement+” (EMI+), which includes phased restoration, allowing parts of Parliament to continue operating during construction. This approach is expected to last 38 to 61 years and cost up to about £39.2 billion. Its advantage is the continuous operation of Parliament, but the longer construction period significantly increases total costs.

The report recommends that regardless of the restoration plan chosen, the first phase should last up to seven years with a budget of about £3 billion. This phase includes the construction of temporary parliamentary chambers and offices, refurbishment of the Victoria Tower, and preparatory restoration of the medieval Cloister Courtyard.

The NAO report emphasizes the urgency of the restoration because the building has major structural issues, including outdated mechanical and electrical equipment, fire risks, and severe asbestos contamination. Currently, maintenance and repairs alone cost £1.5 million per week but do not address the fundamental problems.

A decision on the preferred restoration plan will be made in the coming years, expected no later than mid-2030. This decision will have a significant impact on the future condition of the parliamentary building and the method of restoration.

The restoration of the Palace of Westminster is not only a technical construction project but also a political challenge. Facing high costs and a long timeline, critics call for increased transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Meanwhile, ongoing delays may lead to further cost increases.

The progress and outcomes of this restoration project will significantly affect UK politics and public trust in large national construction projects. The project must carefully balance heritage preservation and compliance with modern safety standards.