Refurbishment of Elizabeth Tower

The Corporate Officer of the House of Lords and The Corporate Officer of The House of Commons are undertaking key internal conservation and refurbishment works to the Elizabeth Tower, including waterproofing and addressing condensation problems as well as modernising the building to improve standards in safety, access and visitor and workspace facilities.

Completed in 1856, the Elizabeth Tower was constructed using 2600 cubic metres of brick and 850 cubic metres of stone, all of which were transported to Westminster by river. Designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, it took over 13 years to build. Renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012, to honour the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it is regularly featured in popular culture and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

Background & Works to Date To ensure that the UK's most famous clock continues to keep time, specialist teams carry out regular maintenance and adjustments to the Great Clock. However, it has now been over 31 years since the last extensive works were carried out to maintain the Elizabeth Tower.

Problems have been identified with the clock hands, mechanism and pendulum, which need to be dealt with immediately to ensure that the clock can continue to work properly. Identified areas of concern include cracks in masonry, leaks, erosion, and rusting of metalwork. There is a risk that if not addressed shortly the clock may fail or fabric problems may become acute.

In addition, the Tower needs to be brought in line with fire prevention guidance and health and safety measures for staff and visitors need to be improved. In order to provide a better means of emergency evacuation, a lift will also be installed inside the tower, which will also provide access for maintenance.

The last significant conservation work was completed in 1983-85. This involved the cleaning and repair of the stone, painting and gilding works and repairs to the cast iron roof. The structure was stabilised in 1995/96 as a result of works carried out to the Jubilee Line. Parts of the clock mechanism were serviced in 2007, but other areas haven't been overhauled in over 25 years.

Project Objectives

• Work to prevent the clock mechanism from failing • Addressing problems caused by decay to the fabric of the building. • Health & safety and fire safety improvements, including installation of a lift. • Enhanced energy efficiency through modern lighting of the tower face and other measures. Overall the project's aim is to conserve the Tower for future generations.

The scope of this project includes:

• Facilitating Works to the Clock (Servicing of the Clock Mechanism to be carried out by Parliamentary Estates Clock Mechanics). • Scaffolding/Access. • Redecoration of the Cast Iron Roofs. • Refurbishment of the Ayrton Light. • Refurbishment of the Clock Faces and Hands. • Stonework Repair. • Structural Repairs and Waterproofing. • Installation of a Lift. • Internal refurbishment.