Moving out completely while work takes place is the recommended proposal
How to carry out the proposed 拢6bn revamp of the Palace of Westminster will finally be discussed by MPs early next year.
The debate on 11 January will come more than two years after a report, commissioned by both Houses of Parliament, was published looking at options for carrying out urgent renovation works with costs ranging from 拢4bn to 拢6bn and taking up to 30 years to complete.
Last year a joint committee of MPs and peers representing both Houses recommended a full move-out of MPs and peers lasting six years.
In March this year, MPs on the public accounts committee endorsed the joint committee鈥檚 recommendation for a full six-year decant, agreeing it was 鈥渢he most economical, effective and efficient choice鈥� but also criticised the delay by Parliament in getting on with the restoration of the crumbling grade I-listed palace.
The government has said possible options include a full move-out, a partial move out, which would see one House vacate the building at a time, or retaining some presence in the palace, and using nearby Westminster Hall for the duration of the works.
M&E repair work is already being carried out as part of the revamp of the Palace of Westminster to ensure it remains safe for use beyond 2020.
A detailed exploration of the condition of the building is also being undertaken, while strategies for building-wide security, asbestos removal, and fire safety improvements are being made.
These works will ensure Parliament is ready to commission design work once both Houses have made a decision over the length of time work will be carried out.
Work will be carried out by architect BDP and a team led by CH2M, which includes consultant Currie & Brown, after the firms won the two client advisory roles to provide architectural and building design services and programme, project and cost management services over the summer.
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