Following a tender process, as part of Parliament’s commitment to preserve the Victoria Tower for future generations, the contract for the delivery of its restoration has been awarded to Wates Construction.
The Victoria Tower Project will repair the stonework on the exterior of the Tower to minimise the risk of stone fall. It will also encompass other elements such as conservation works to the window glazing, roof and flagpole. The last significant works on Victoria Tower were completed in the early 1990s.
This is an essential safety-driven project. Since 2018, there have been multiple incidents of stone fall from the exterior of Victoria Tower. Urgent health and safety measures have been put in place, such as the safety deck that was erected to mitigate the risk of injury from stone fall. However much more significant works are required to restore the Tower.
The main works, which are outside of the scope of the wider Restoration and Renewal Programme for the Palace of Westminster, are currently scheduled to start later this year and be completed around 2031. The total contract value is £132.7m, including VAT, part of a total £253m investment to refurbish and make safe the Victoria Tower. The project will support jobs and skills from companies and craftspeople across the UK.
Steve Holbrook, Managing Director at Wates, said:
“Wates and Parliament share a commitment to preserving traditional building techniques while embracing innovative construction and logistic methodologies to protect and enhance this historic landmark. The extensive repair and restoration work we will be carrying out on the Victoria Tower will ensure it can continue its important role on the parliamentary estate for decades to come.”
The Tower was finished in 1860 and sits at the south-west corner of the Palace of Westminster. It has a footprint around three times the size of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), and stands two metres taller at 98.5m (with its flagpole extending a further 22m). Victoria Tower is at the heart of key Parliamentary ceremonial events including the State Opening of Parliament. Sovereign’s Entrance, used by the Monarch since 1852 during the State Opening of Parliament, will continue to be available for use throughout the works.
