Parliament Considers Two Main Options for Palace of Westminster Restoration

Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Client Board has outlined new proposals for the long-term restoration of the Palace of Westminster, focusing on two main delivery options and an initial phase of works.

The report, published on 5 February 2026, recommends that the first phase of restoration should last seven years and be limited to a maximum cost of £3 billion. This phase is intended to address urgent needs while longer-term plans are finalised.

According to the published proposals, MPs and peers will be asked to choose between a 'full decant' of the Palace and an 'enhanced maintenance and improvement+' (EMI+) approach. The decision on which model to adopt is expected by the middle of 2030.

Media reports state that the full decant option would involve moving all parliamentary activity out of the Palace for the duration of the works, while the EMI+ model would allow some functions to continue on site with staged renovations.

What the numbers show

• Initial phase one works are capped at £3 billion over seven years
• Full decant option estimated at 19–24 years and up to £15.6 billion
• Staged renovation option could take 38–61 years and cost up to £39.2 billion

The full decant scenario, as described to MPs and peers, is projected to take between 19 and 24 years to complete, with costs potentially reaching £15.6 billion when inflation is included. The alternative, a staged renovation under the EMI+ model, is estimated to require between 38 and 61 years and could cost up to £39.2 billion.

Both long-term options would be subject to further parliamentary approval, with the initial seven-year works intended to maintain the building and prepare for the chosen approach. The Restoration and Renewal Client Board has stated that these figures include inflation and are based on current assessments.

MPs and peers have been asked to agree to the initial phase of restoration while the broader decision-making process continues. The final choice between the two main options will be made after further analysis and debate in Parliament.

The Restoration and Renewal Client Board’s report forms the basis for the next steps in the Palace of Westminster’s restoration, setting out costed proposals and a timeline for decision-making by Parliament’s members.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.