Public Sector : Government Bodies News
New chapter for Wakefield’s Crown Court as transformation gets under way

New chapter for Wakefield’s Crown Court as transformation gets under way

Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered

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Willmott Dixon Secures £30.5m Contract for Derbyshire Custody Suite

Willmott Dixon Secures £30.5m Contract for Derbyshire Custody Suite

Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and

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New Army accommodation under construction at Thorney Island

New Army accommodation under construction at Thorney Island

A major construction project is underway to deliver modern, sustainable Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for Army personnel at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island.  Ground works have begun on three new SLA blocks at Baker Barracks, which will provide a combined total of 315 en-suite bedspaces: 242 for Junior Ranks, 47 for

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Laing O’Rourke advances with dual prison expansion programme

Laing O’Rourke advances with dual prison expansion programme

Laing O’Rourke has commenced main construction on two major prison expansion projects, marking a significant step forward in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to increase capacity across the estate. The contractor has been appointed under the MoJ’s Small Secure Houseblocks (SSHB) alliance to deliver new accommodation at HMP Humber

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Robertson breaks ground on Greater Manchester fire station

Robertson breaks ground on Greater Manchester fire station

Construction has officially commenced on a community fire station rebuild in Whitefield for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), led by Robertson Construction North West. Located on Bury New Road, the new Whitefield Community Fire Station is part of GMFRS’s £38m Estates Improvement Programme and is thoughtfully designed to

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Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace, the historic London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, has undergone a major £40 million refurbishment, bringing 800 years of ecclesiastical history into the modern, low-carbon age. The extensive programme of works, delivered by contractor Walter Lilly, included a full upgrade of the building’s heating and energy systems,

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Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Construction has been awarded a £110.6 million contract (excluding VAT) to lead the major restoration of Victoria Tower – the historic structure at the House of Lords end of the Palace of Westminster. The imposing 98.5-metre-high tower, which dates back to 1860, has shown significant signs of decay in

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Public Sector : Government Bodies News

Henry Brothers starts work on £9 million police station refurbishment

Henry Brothers starts work on £9 million police station refurbishment

Northern Ireland based contractor Henry Brothers has started work on a major refurbishment scheme at Wolverhampton Central Police Station. The renovation on the Bilston Street site will take 16 months to complete. The station will remain open to the public throughout. Once the work is complete, the site will have better victim facilities, provide officers with a modern workplace and safeguard the long-term future of the city centre building. Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on this scheme to refurbish Wolverhampton Central police station, as we take great pride in working alongside our bluelight clients. The creation of a more modern police station will provide improved facilities for West Midlands Police and allow officers to better service the local community.” Henry Brothers will employ a number of local people including apprentices on the refurbishment scheme, ploughing money back into the local economy. Speaking about the refurbishment, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in Wolverhampton and this iconic building.  “Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy.  “Policing has changed considerably since the station opened 33 years ago, especially our focus on victims – which is more important now than ever. The work which is underway includes improvements to victim care facilities as well as staff areas.” The building – which has not been updated since it was opened by Princess Diana on 31 July 1992 – requires substantial essential work including replacing windows, installing a new heating/cooling system, repairing leaks and damp, creating new victim care rooms, insulating the building, installing solar panels and LED lighting to reduce energy and more. Safety and security systems will be upgraded while an employee café will be built on site and managed by a local non-profit organisation. The aim is for the charity to provide training and work for people who have historically been excluded from the local job market, including people who have experienced homelessness, disabled people and people with no formal qualifications. It’s a model which has been successfully implemented in other areas of West Midlands Police and proven popular with officers. Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, responsible for policing across the whole of Wolverhampton, said: “I’ve been really clear that operational policing must not be affected while the refurbishment takes place. Our brilliant officers and staff will be going out of their way to make that happen. “To minimise disruption, some teams have been temporarily moved to Wednesfield and Bilston police bases, where they continue to serve the city’s communities while the remainder continue to work from Wolverhampton Central.” Cash for the £9 million critical works has come from making better use of West Midlands Police’s estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the service more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes and artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls. Money for the works can only be spent on buildings and equipment, and not officers. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Wolverhampton police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service. “By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community. “This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New chapter for Wakefield’s Crown Court as transformation gets under way

New chapter for Wakefield’s Crown Court as transformation gets under way

Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered by Mulberry, the 25,000 sq ft scheme will reposition the former courthouse as a commercial and cultural destination alongside Rushbond’s nearby residential regeneration, now nearing phase one completion. Built in 1810 and extended in the 19th century, the building has stood vacant since the early 1990s. The plans include a new city-facing entrance and landscaped public terrace; an events space within the former courtroom; a restaurant/food hall with indoor and terrace seating and a café shop; plus co-working and studio spaces. Completion is scheduled for summer 2026. The project forms part of a wider strategy to revitalise Wood Street and the wider Civic Quarter, complementing new homes and the restoration of neighbouring heritage sites, including the former police station, Gills Yard and Gills Mews. The aim is to reinforce Wakefield’s appeal for business, investment and cultural activity. Rushbond founder and chairman Jonathan Maud said the Crown Court is “one of [Wakefield’s] most treasured sites”, adding that the vision is to restore it as a focal point for the city with creative workspace, leisure and event facilities and public art. Cllr Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said the restoration would act as a catalyst for growth and help create a vibrant new community in the city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Willmott Dixon Secures £30.5m Contract for Derbyshire Custody Suite

Willmott Dixon Secures £30.5m Contract for Derbyshire Custody Suite

Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and external works. Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, construction begins this month and is scheduled for completion in June 2027. The project reinforces Willmott Dixon’s growing role in blue light infrastructure, following its £55 million refurbishment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this year and an £18 million contract to deliver Pendle Police Station for Lancashire Constabulary. Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, said: “As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing.” Willmott Dixon has built an extensive track record in emergency services projects, ranging from custody suites in Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Cardiff to headquarters buildings in Liverpool, Dorset and Humberside, as well as fire and forensics centres across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Army accommodation under construction at Thorney Island

New Army accommodation under construction at Thorney Island

A major construction project is underway to deliver modern, sustainable Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for Army personnel at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island.  Ground works have begun on three new SLA blocks at Baker Barracks, which will provide a combined total of 315 en-suite bedspaces: 242 for Junior Ranks, 47 for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), and 26 for Junior Officers. The modular blocks will be built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) designed to achieve exceptional building energy efficiency. Sustainable design features include photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and a SMART energy management system, which learns how the building is used so that it runs as efficiently as possible. The project will also deliver over 400 car parking spaces with 20 electric vehicle charging points, increasing parking capacity at the barracks, while further supporting energy efficiency. The project is being delivered under the Army’s SLA Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10.  Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, said: “The investment at Baker Barracks will provide modern, spacious accommodation that will enhance living standards for our people delivering important operational capabilities. These modular buildings deliver outstanding quality and comfort, incorporating soldier feedback into their design alongside sustainable technologies that support both our carbon reduction commitments and cost efficiency objectives.” Warren Webster, DIO MPP Army Programme Director said: “It’s exciting to see the start of preparatory works for this fantastic project as we work to improve military accommodation. Once complete, a significant number of the soldiers and officers based at Baker Barracks will enjoy brand-new, comfortable and sustainable accommodation.” Phil Cook, Defence Director, Reds10, said: “Through our close working partnership with the DIO, Reds10 is pioneering advanced technologies and techniques to deliver exceptional value at Baker Barracks. Utilising industrialised construction to design and build innovative, sustainable and high-quality living spaces, we are transforming the living accommodation for the armed forces at pace.” Further investment is planned at Baker Barracks under the Army’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Programme to support 7 Air Defence Group’s operational capability. The major infrastructure upgrade, currently in the critical design phase, includes an extension to the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess facility, additional office space, more efficient storage areas and upgraded secure storage. Construction is due to start in Autumn 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Laing O’Rourke advances with dual prison expansion programme

Laing O’Rourke advances with dual prison expansion programme

Laing O’Rourke has commenced main construction on two major prison expansion projects, marking a significant step forward in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to increase capacity across the estate. The contractor has been appointed under the MoJ’s Small Secure Houseblocks (SSHB) alliance to deliver new accommodation at HMP Humber in Humberside and HMP Ranby in Nottinghamshire. Together, the schemes will provide 240 additional prison places, each designed to modern standards that prioritise security, rehabilitation and long-term operational efficiency. At HMP Humber, the works will deliver a new houseblock comprising 120 places, supported by an upgraded kitchen facility to enhance the site’s catering provision. HMP Ranby will also benefit from a new 120-place houseblock, alongside the construction of a modern workshop within the existing prison grounds, aimed at creating additional training and employment opportunities for inmates. Both sites are Category C men’s prisons. The SSHB alliance, which also includes Kier and Wates, is structured to enable the sharing of knowledge and best practice between contractors. This collaborative approach is central to the MoJ’s strategy of delivering high-quality, future-ready facilities at pace, while maximising value for the public purse. Although Laing O’Rourke has not disclosed the financial value of the Humber and Ranby contracts, industry benchmarks suggest the schemes are likely worth in the region of £130 million. This estimate is based on the recent £100 million expansion of HMP Onley in Warwickshire, awarded to Wates, which is set to add 180 new places. Laing O’Rourke delivery director Martin Staehr commented: “Moving into the main works is a key milestone for these projects and one we are proud to reach. Each programme will run for around 18 months and will make extensive use of modern methods of construction. By harnessing our offsite manufacturing capability, we can provide greater certainty of delivery while ensuring consistent quality.” The projects are part of the government’s wider commitment to create 20,000 new prison places across England and Wales by the mid-2020s. This expansion strategy combines the construction of entirely new prisons with significant capacity increases at existing establishments. Fiona Parker, deputy director for the SSHB programme at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), said: “The expansions at HMP Humber and HMP Ranby are a vital step in delivering secure, modern and rehabilitative prison facilities. The additional capacity will not only help to address pressure on the estate but will also support our ambition to reduce reoffending by providing prisoners with opportunities to learn new skills that aid their reintegration into society.” Both schemes are scheduled for completion in 2027, with HMP Humber due to finish in early 2027 and HMP Ranby following in the spring. Once operational, they will form part of a new generation of prison facilities, designed to meet evolving demands on the justice system while supporting safer and more sustainable operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mace to lead £1.1bn transformation of the British Library’s St Pancras site

Mace to lead £1.1bn transformation of the British Library’s St Pancras site

Mace has been appointed as construction manager for the £1.1 billion redevelopment of the British Library’s iconic St Pancras site in London. The major cultural and commercial scheme will see the library expanded and modernised to meet growing public demand while providing extensive new facilities. The appointment was made by the British Library’s development partner SMBL, a subsidiary of Japanese property group Mitsui Fudosan. Working under the direction of development manager Stanhope, Mace will bring its construction expertise to the procurement and delivery stages of the ambitious project. At the heart of the scheme is a 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) extension designed to enhance the library’s public services. The plans include new exhibition galleries, learning facilities, and events spaces, alongside more than 600,000 sq ft (55,742 sq m) of commercial space. The development has been designed by leading architects RSHP, with engineering input from Arup. Construction is expected to commence in 2026 once the detailed design process is complete and all planning conditions are met. The build programme is anticipated to take around six years. Jason Millett, chief executive of Mace Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing the British Library scheme as a high-profile project of international significance. “Our long-standing experience in delivering major and complex developments places us in a strong position to ensure this transformation meets the highest standards,” he said. The redevelopment marks a significant step in the library’s ongoing evolution, aiming to deliver improved public access, better facilities for research and education, and enhanced opportunities for cultural engagement. The addition of large-scale commercial space is also expected to boost the local economy and support the long-term sustainability of the institution. With its combination of cultural ambition and commercial opportunity, the British Library’s St Pancras transformation is set to become one of London’s most significant construction projects of the decade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Turner & Townsend and Pick Everard Win Key Roles on Future Prisons Programme

Turner & Townsend and Pick Everard Win Key Roles on Future Prisons Programme

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has appointed Turner & Townsend and Pick Everard to lead two major workstreams on its Future Prison Supply Service framework, supporting the delivery of modern, efficient and future-ready custodial facilities across England and Wales. Under the new four-year agreement, Turner & Townsend will serve as cost management service (CMS) provider, bringing commercial oversight, cost assurance and budgetary support across all RIBA stages for the MoJ’s Future Prison Estate Strategy, Acquisition and Pipeline (FPESAP) programme. Meanwhile, Pick Everard has been named as the sole supplier for client designer services, tasked with leading the design of both new-build and refurbishment projects throughout the prison estate. Their appointment continues a long-standing relationship with the MoJ, having previously led the development of the reference design for new prisons — a blueprint now widely adopted across multiple sites. In addition to these appointments, a collaboration of AtkinsRéalis, Arcadis and Mott MacDonald will provide project and programme management, information management, and health and safety advisory services across the framework. Chris Sargent, managing director for real estate UK at Turner & Townsend, said the appointment reflected the firm’s deep understanding of the MoJ’s transformation priorities: “We are proud to play a vital role in delivering cost-effective, high-quality prison infrastructure that supports public safety and rehabilitation efforts.” Pick Everard operations director Jon Parry added: “Our expertise in the justice sector ensures we are delivering designs that are not only robust and secure, but adaptable to future pressures. This appointment strengthens a relationship with the MoJ that now spans decades.” Together, the consultancy team will help shape a new generation of UK prison infrastructure focused on safety, sustainability, and resilience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Robertson breaks ground on Greater Manchester fire station

Robertson breaks ground on Greater Manchester fire station

Construction has officially commenced on a community fire station rebuild in Whitefield for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), led by Robertson Construction North West. Located on Bury New Road, the new Whitefield Community Fire Station is part of GMFRS’s £38m Estates Improvement Programme and is thoughtfully designed to support the next generation of emergency response. The new-build station will feature a reconfigured, more accessible layout and will be equipped with sustainable facilities, creating a modern fire station for the local community and beyond. Work began in May with the demolition of the existing station, clearing the way for the two-storey building that will benefit from a revitalised appliance bay, a state-of-the-art training tower, improved landscaping, and upgraded parking facilities. Material from the demolition has been repurposed to create the substrate for the new station, resulting in minimum waste leaving the site. The project has been designed to achieve BREAAM Excellent and will feature 47 solar panels. Whitefield is one of several fire stations being rebuilt across Greater Manchester. Robertson took over as main contractor for delivering both Whitefield and Blackley in March, after the previous contractor went into administration. This process was completed thoroughly and without delay and construction is now back on track. The new stations will include sustainable heating and lighting systems to support Greater Manchester’s target to become a carbon neutral city-region by 2038. Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “GMFRS has been making strong progress over recent years and the improvements to our estate will only solidify this and push us further forward. “Our investment in our estate will create facilities the community can engage with and be proud of. We’re determined that there won’t be any reduction in fire cover across Greater Manchester, and that’s why we’re investing in new stations and additional fire engines. Communities can be confident that there will no effect on the standard and level of service while these vital rebuilds take place.” Paul Coyle, Commercial Director, Robertson Construction North West, said: “Robertson has been involved in delivering projects for the blue light sector for many years across the UK. Working with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service we will be providing a modern, high-quality facility which will enhance emergency response capabilities and meet the evolving needs of the community. “Using modern construction techniques designed to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability, we will be contributing to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Estates Improvement Programme and the region’s ambition to become a carbon neutral city-region by 2038. We will also extend our work further into the community, as a responsible contractor, we are committed to creating community wealth through the provision of local employment opportunities, supporting skills development and local engagement.” Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer, GMFRS, said: “The beginning of construction on our second new-build community fire station is very exciting. These new fire stations will provide a positive and engaging presence in their local communities while giving our staff modern facilities. “I am proud of all the work that has gone into our estates programme, building an estate that is fit for a modern Greater Manchester.” The new-look fire station is set to be complete by October 2026, with Whitefield’s firefighters working from a temporary station on Bury New Road, ensuring the community will receive the same level of cover while the work takes place. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace Completes £40m Green Retrofit to Embrace a Sustainable Future

Lambeth Palace, the historic London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, has undergone a major £40 million refurbishment, bringing 800 years of ecclesiastical history into the modern, low-carbon age. The extensive programme of works, delivered by contractor Walter Lilly, included a full upgrade of the building’s heating and energy systems, featuring double glazing, air source heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels. The palace, which dates back to the 12th century, is now set to transition away from fossil fuels entirely, thanks to the installation of a new energy centre that enables operation solely via on-site renewable energy. Key sustainability upgrades include the installation of three air source heat pumps, the replacement of 140 radiators, and the double glazing of 160 historic windows. In addition, more than 39 tonnes of timber were recycled throughout the project. One of the most notable elements of the refurbishment was the restoration of the 17th-century Great Hall, whose timber roof—damaged during the Second World War—has now been fully repaired. In collaboration with Historic England, the project called upon expert timber specialists, stonemasons and conservation professionals. The team replaced 1,450 sqm of floorboards, repaired and cleaned 800 sqm of stonework, and completed 13,500 sqm of plastering and painting. Chris Butler, Managing Director at Walter Lilly, said: “The successful completion of the re-servicing works at Lambeth Palace represents a major milestone in the conservation and modernisation of one of the UK’s most treasured historic buildings. Despite the complexities of working in a live, occupied environment and addressing archaeological discoveries during underground works, we’re immensely proud to have delivered a sustainable solution that supports the Church of England’s net-zero ambitions. This project is a clear demonstration of how heritage sites can be sensitively adapted to meet future needs.” The architectural design was led by Wright & Wright, with engineering provided by Arup. The entire £40 million cost was funded by the Church Commissioners. Whoever the next Archbishop of Canterbury may be, one thing is certain: their heating bills will be significantly lower.

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Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Secures £110m Deal to Restore Iconic Victoria Tower

Wates Construction has been awarded a £110.6 million contract (excluding VAT) to lead the major restoration of Victoria Tower – the historic structure at the House of Lords end of the Palace of Westminster. The imposing 98.5-metre-high tower, which dates back to 1860, has shown significant signs of decay in recent years. With several incidents of falling masonry since 2018, urgent safety measures – including the installation of a protective deck – have already been put in place. However, these temporary fixes are no longer sufficient, prompting the need for extensive and long-term repairs. The project, commissioned by parliamentary authorities, will see Wates undertake vital conservation and repair works to safeguard the tower’s future. This includes the restoration of exterior stonework to reduce the risk of further stone fall, refurbishment of the roof, window glazing, and the historic flagpole. The last significant works on Victoria Tower were completed more than three decades ago, in the early 1990s. Following a competitive tendering process, Wates was selected to deliver the programme, which forms part of a wider £253 million investment to secure the structural integrity and safety of the tower. Work is expected to begin later this year and will continue until 2031. 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 project follows the recent completion of works to the Elizabeth Tower – home to the iconic Big Ben – by Sir Robert McAlpine at the opposite end of the Palace. Despite the scale of the work, access to the Sovereign’s Entrance – used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament since 1852 – will be maintained throughout the restoration period, allowing ceremonial events to continue uninterrupted. As one of the most recognisable features of the Westminster skyline, Victoria Tower plays a key role in the identity of the UK Parliament. Its restoration signals a renewed focus on preserving the heritage of the Palace while ensuring public safety and operational continuity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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