The Palace of Westminster dates from the 1840s and 1850s and many features have never undergone restoration and renewal. The most recent significant renovation work took place in the 1940s, following bomb damage to the House of Commons Chamber in World War II.
The major elements of the restoration and renewal work that the Palace now requires include:
- Replacing antiquated heating, ventilation, electrical, water and drainage systems
- Continued major restoration works on the cast-iron roofs to ensure the Palace is watertight and prevent further damage to the integrity of the building
- Safe removal of significant amounts of asbestos which has limited the ability to undertake restoration and renewal work in the past
- Installation of improved fire safety systems and compartmentalisation to ensure the risk of devastating fire is minimised
- Installation of ICT facilities necessary for the efficient functioning of Parliament