April 2016
Conservation and repair of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben FAQs
Contents
Rationale and approval ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Scope of the works........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Timing and timescales................................................................................................................................................... 2
Impact of the works ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
The lift ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Tours of the Elizabeth Tower ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Works, access and security on the Parliamentary Estate ............................................................................................. 5
Restoration and Renewal .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Rationale and approval
1. Why does the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) need to be renovated?
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. Surveys
are still being carried out to identify the extent of the works required to the Tower itself but we have already
identified areas of concern, including cracks in masonry, leaks, erosion, and severe rusting of metalwork. There is a
risk that if not addressed as a matter of urgency, 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, and to improve
accessibility for a wider range of people, a lift will be installed within the existing ventilation shaft of the Tower.
2. When was the Elizabeth Tower last renovated/scaffolded?
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.
3. What will happen if this work is not carried out?
There is a risk that the clock mechanism may fail or that long term fabric degradation to the building will occur.
4. Which Member committees have agreed this work?
This project was agreed by the Commons Administration Committee on 12 October 2015, the Administration and
Works Committee in the House of Lords on the 2 November 2015 and the Commons Finance Committee on 14
October 2015 and 4 November 2015.
The Commission has also been briefed, and saw a further paper on 25 April.
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April 2016
5. Do these works need planning permission?
Much of the work is straightforward repair but any alterations or additions will be subject to listed building consent
granted by Westminster City Council in consultation with Historic England
6. Will this work need to be carried out again in future?
The last time significant work was carried out to the Tower was in 1983-85. The current proposals will address the
overdue maintenance of the Tower and prevent further decay. As with other buildings of the same age, future
maintenance will be required in order for this iconic building to remain in good condition and to safeguard it for
future generations.
Scope of the works
7. What will the works include?
We are undertaking key internal and external conservation and refurbishment works, including waterproofing and
addressing severe condensation problems as well as modernising the building to improve standards in safety, access
and visitor and workspace facilities. The project includes:
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Work to prevent the clock mechanism from failing.
Addressing urgent problems caused by decay to the fabric of the building, both internally and externally.
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 repair and conserve the Tower, upgrade services and facilities as necessary and to
ensure its integrity for future generations.
8. Who will carry out the work?
Public sector procurement is governed by UK regulations that implement the EU procurement directives the works
will therefore be let through a contract that has been tendered via the EU procurement OJEU process. The clock
mechanism repairs will be carried out by our internal team where possible.
Timing and timescales
9. When will the renovation work take place?
Work is scheduled to begin in early 2017 for a duration of three years.
10. How long will the works last?
The programme of works is scheduled to last three years, beginning in early 2017.
Impact of the works
11. How much will renovations cost?
£29m including VAT.
12. Will the Tower be scaffolded?
Yes. Specialist scaffolding will need to be erected in order to provide access to the external parts of the Tower. We
will aim to ensure that the clock dials are visible for as long as possible during the works.
13. When was the Tower last scaffolded?
The Tower was scaffolded between 1983 and 1985, when the last significant conservation work was carried out.
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14. How long will the scaffolding be put up for?
The scaffolding will be visible for the three year duration of the project, but the upper section of the Tower will be
uncovered as the project progresses.
15. Will the clock dials be covered up?
It will be necessary to cover the clock dials whilst carrying out repair work and maintenance to the glass, and
metalwork, and whilst removing the hands. We will aim to cover the dials in succession, each one for as short a time
as possible. Throughout the project we will aim to ensure at least one clock face is visible.
16. Will the bells still strike/chime?
The clock mechanism will need to be stopped for several months in order to carry out essential maintenance. During
this period there will be no chimes. We are also investigating whether or not the chiming will have an effect on
operatives working at high level, which will need to be taken into consideration. Striking and tolling will be
maintained for important events.
17. When was the last time the chimes stopped for a prolonged period of time?
The bells did not chime for a period of around nine months when the clock underwent a major overhaul in 1976. In
2007 the bells were stopped for a period of 6 weeks, whilst essential maintenance works were carried out.
18. Will the clock still tell the correct time?
Yes, when it is operational. However, the clock mechanism will be stopped for several months in order to repair the
hands, bearings, gears and drive mechanism. We are looking at potential options to keep this as short as possible.
19. Will the Ayrton light still shine to show the Houses are sitting?
Yes, a substitute light will shine whilst the Ayrton light is being repaired.
20. Will these works change the appearance of the Tower?
One of the aims of the project is to conserve significant elements of the Tower, as designed by architects Charles
Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin. The existing black and gold colouring around the clock dials was applied in the
1980s. Parliament’s team of conservation architects is currently analysing the original paint used to decorate the
surrounding areas to each clock dial. Once a clear picture of the early colour schemes has been built up, the
stonework will be repainted to reflect, as far as possible, Pugin’s original design.
There will be some cleaning and repairs to external stonework, otherwise the appearance will not change.
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April 2016
The lift
21. Why install a lift in the Tower?
At present there is only a single spiral staircase with 334 steps. Emergency evacuation from the Tower is currently
carried out using a complex abseiling rig. To improve safety and to help reduce the time it takes to evacuate an
injured person from the Tower in the event of an emergency, a lift will be installed in one of the existing ventilation
shafts. The lift will also provide improved access (though not full access due to constraints of the space) for some
disabled people who are currently unable to use the stairs, and will improve access to the clock for maintenance
purposes. It will have no impact on the external appearance.
22. Will the lift be used as standard to access the Tower?
No. Part of the visitor experience of the Tower is climbing the 334 steps and the installation of a lift is not intended
to change this. However, the lift will provide improved access (though not full access due to constraints of the space)
for some disabled people who are currently unable to use the stairs. The lift will also reduce the time it takes to
evacuate an injured person from the Tower in the event of an emergency. In addition, it will improve both security
and access to the clock for maintenance purposes. The lift will be installed inside one of the existing shafts in the
Tower and will have no impact on its external appearance.
Tours of the Elizabeth Tower
23. Will this programme of works affect tours of the Elizabeth Tower?
Yes. During the works, it will not be possible to run tours of the Elizabeth Tower. Tours will be suspended for the full
duration of the project (three years), with final tours taking place in December 2016.
24. When will the last tours take place?
The last tours which can be booked for members of the public will take place on 16 December 2016.
25. When will tour bookings stop?
Tours of Big Ben are extremely popular, and spaces are booked six months in advance. The last new tour dates will
open for booking in July, for tours in December 2016 (before the work starts).
26. When will tours resume?
It is anticipated that tours will resume once the works have been completed.
27. How can I book a tour for constituents?
Members of both Houses can book a tour of the Elizabeth Tower (formerly the Clock Tower and also known as Big
Ben) by submitting booking requests to [email protected]. Tours are booked 6 months in advance
between 12pm on the first working day of the month until the fifth working day of the month. Dates are as follows:
Oct 2016
Nov 2016
Dec 2016
Tues 3 May 12noon
Wed 1 Jun 12noon
Mon 1 Jul 12noon
Mon 9 May 12noon
Tues 7 Jun 12noon
Fri 7 Jul 12noon
Members may make applications for a maximum of 4 guests during this booking period.
Further details are available on the intranet: https://intranet.parliament.uk/access-buildings/exhibitions-tours/bigben/ or by contacting the Big Ben Tours office on [email protected] or 020 7219 6554.
Tours during October, November and December are expected to accommodate 2800 visitors.
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April 2016
28. Will there be an opportunity to tour the Tower and view the areas affected by the works?
Yes. A number of tours for Members of both Houses have been offered in the week commencing 2 May 2016.
Further tours will be offered later in the year. Details will be provided closer to the time.
Members of the Administration and Finance Committees in the Commons, and of the Administration and Works
Committee in the Lords have already had the opportunity to tour the Tower and view the areas for refurbishment.
29. Will these works increase the capacity of the Tower to host tours?
These are essential repair works and are not intended to increase the capacity of the Tower to host tours. However,
they will improve the visitor experience and make the running of the Tower easier for both maintenance and Tower
staff.
Works, access and security on the Parliamentary Estate
30. Will the scaffolding present a security risk?
No. All works have been planned and designed with collaboration and input from the Parliamentary Security
Department.
31. When will the scaffolding be erected?
We aim to begin building the scaffolding in early 2017.
32. Will scaffolding be erected during office hours?
Yes, it will be put up Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm.
33. How long will it take to put up the scaffolding?
We anticipate that the scaffolding will take between four and six months to erect.
34. Will this create a lot of noise? Have/will noise trials been undertaken?
The project team will be undertaking noise trials to understand any implications on the local offices. The Principal
Contractor will be required to adopt working practices that mitigate noise during the erection of the scaffold. All site
logistics planning will be done in collaboration with the Accommodation and Logistics Service.
35. What action can I take if the noise is a problem?
The majority of construction activities that are likely to create noise are at Belfry level, which is a significant distance
away from any operational areas of the Palace. However, noise trials will be carried out to ensure that any noisy
activities are identified and managed. From the noise trials the Project Team will ascertain which activities are an
issue. These activities will be scheduled for recess period or out of normal working hours.
In case of concerns or problems, Members can call the Facilities Helpdesk on 020 7219 4747.
36. Will this work affect access to the Colonnade from Speaker’s Green?
No, the works are planned to ensure that access to the Colonnade is not affected. Any protection (hoarding) works
carried out in this area will be done in recess periods. Regular updates on the works will be provided via the
Parliamentary intranet.
37. Will contractors stop work during Divisions?
No, it will not be necessary for contractors to stop work during Divisions, as access will not be impeded.
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38. Will equipment be stored on Speaker’s Green?
Yes, the Project Team is planning to use Speaker’s Green as a site compound. Portacabins will also be installed to
provide site offices and welfare facilities required to comply with the Construction Design and Management
regulations 2015.
39. How long will the cabins and storage be in place on Speaker’s Green?
We anticipate that the cabins and storage will be in place for the full duration of the project, from early 2017 for
three years.
40. Will events still take place on Speaker’s Green?
During the works, it will not be possible to hold events on Speaker’s Green.
41. Will the Elizabeth Tower be lit whilst the works take place?
The scope of the project includes replacing the flood lighting infrastructure so there may be a period of time when
the Elizabeth Tower cannot be lit. The project team will work with the contractor to minimise the period of time that
the Tower is not lit.
42. Will the cabins and storage on Speaker’s Green mean that the bike racks will be removed due to this
work?
The site compound will be contained to the grass area and not onto the footpath where the bike racks are located.
Access will be maintained from the Colonnade to the door accessing the Shadow Cabinet Wing. The project team
are assessing whether the scaffold supports will impede on access for bicycles. In the event the scaffold constrains
bicycle access, an alternative location will be provided.
43. Will Members with offices in the Tower need to move due to this work and if so where to and for how
long?
The noise trials will help to inform this decision. The offices in question are embedded within the main structure of
the Tower, so these offices are the most likely to experience some disruption. If the offices within the tower are not
decanted for the duration of the project, there will need to be a short term decant during the recesses to allow for
some works to the services, and to carry out works to the metal windows and stone work around the windows. The
project team will work with the Accommodation and Logistics Service to contact those affected individually to come
to a solution.
44. Will the work affect access or areas of the Palace in addition to Elizabeth Tower?
We do not anticipate that access to other areas of the Palace will be affected. The site compound will be located in
Speaker’s Green, and there will not be an effect on pedestrian access on other parts of the Estate. However, should
this change we will ensure that all passholders are informed about any changes well in advance.
45. Have these works been planned in conjunction with security teams?
Yes, all works have been carefully planned with the input of security teams.
46. Will deliveries cause disruption in New Palace Yard?
Deliveries to site will come via New Palace Yard and a number of deliveries will require a crane from Bridge Street
into Speaker’s Green (out of hours). The project team are exploring all possible logistic opportunities to prevent
disruption. A designated loading bay adjacent to the Colonnade will be required to ensure the safety of Members
and Staff. The project team will continue to liaise with appropriate stakeholders to ensure disruption is kept to a
minimum.
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April 2016
47. Will there be an impact on Member parking?
No.
48. At present income is generated by external filming requests taking place in the Tower. Will this continue
during the works?
No, access to the Tower will be restricted to those involved in the works programme.
49. Does the House of Commons Smoking area need to move from the base of the Clock-tower? And if it has
to move, where does it have to go?
Yes as it will fall within the enclosed area at the base of the scaffolding. An alternative location will be provided.
Restoration and Renewal
50. Is this part of the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) project?
No.
51. Why is this work not part of R&R?
The Restoration and Renewal Programme is unlikely to start until the early 2020s. The recently conducted feasibility
study of the Tower has shown that this work cannot be delayed until then. As the Tower has not been extensively
renovated for over 30 years, it now requires urgent attention. If this work is not undertaken, there is a risk that the
clock mechanism will fail, and that significant damage will happen to the fabric of the building.
In addition, Regulatory Reform Order 2005 (RRO) requires Parliament to comply with current fire safety
requirements by 2018. At present, the Elizabeth Tower is not compliant and alterations must be made to meet these
requirements. There are also a number of workplace health and safety risks which must be addressed in order to
ensure the safety of those working in the Tower, or visiting it. This includes implementing a solution to ensure that in
the event of an emergency, a casualty could be evacuated from the Tower as quickly as possible.
Whatever decision is taken about the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace works are unlikely to affect the
Elizabeth Tower directly, and our aim is that the clock will remain fully functional.
52. Will R&R have any impact on this work?
We do not anticipate R&R having any impact on this work. Whatever decision is taken about the Restoration and
Renewal of Parliament, it is unlikely that works will affect the Elizabeth Tower directly, and our aim is that the clock
will remain fully functional throughout.
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