Renovation of the Palace of Westminster: Costs up to 40 billion pounds and duration up to 61 years

London – 16.06.2026: The extensive refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the British Parliament, faces a significant challenge. A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) states that renovation costs could rise to 40 billion pounds and span a period of up to 61 years. This estimate is based on two different refurbishment options currently being discussed.

The first option, referred to as “Full Decant,” involves both the House of Commons and the House of Lords vacating the building for the entire renovation period. This solution would take between 19 and 24 years and cause costs of up to 15.6 billion pounds. This allows the work to be carried out more focused and efficiently.

The second option, known as “Enhanced Maintenance and Improvement+” (EMI+), includes a phased refurbishment during which parts of Parliament continue to be used during the construction phase. This method spreads over a period of 38 to 61 years and is estimated to cost up to 39.2 billion pounds. The advantage is that parliamentary work continues, but the longer construction time significantly increases total costs.

Regardless of the choice of refurbishment strategy, the report recommends an initial phase lasting up to seven years and costing approximately 3 billion pounds. These works include the construction of temporary chambers and offices, renovation measures to the Victoria Tower, and preparatory restorations to the medieval Cloister Court.

The NAO report emphasizes the urgency of the refurbishment, as the building suffers from serious structural problems. These include outdated mechanical and electrical installations, fire risks, and high asbestos concentrations. Currently, 1.5 million pounds are spent weekly on maintenance and repair work alone, without addressing the underlying defects.

The decision on the preferred refurbishment variant will be made within the coming years. A final choice is expected no later than mid-2030. This decision will be decisive for the future state of the parliamentary building and the implementation of the refurbishment works.

The refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster is not only a technical construction project but also a political challenge. Critics call for greater transparency and accountability in managing public funds, given the high costs and long timeframe. At the same time, ongoing delays contribute to the potential further increase of costs.

The course and outcome of this refurbishment project will have an important influence on British politics and the public’s trust in major government construction projects. The demands for heritage conservation and the need for modern safety standards must be carefully balanced.