ICE recommendations on Palace of Westminster
On 15 Sept 2016, the Joint Committee on the Palace of Westminster accepted the Institution of Civil Engineers’(ICE) recommendations for the historic building’s redevelopment.
They concluded that the lowest risk, most cost-effective and time-efficient option was for all MPs, Peers and staff to move out of the Palace in one single phase while works were carried out.
Appointed in July 2015, the committee is co-chaired by Chris Grayling MP and Baroness Stowell of Beeston.
Responding to the Committee’s call for evidence, ICE provided its expertise through a written submission, as well as calling David Hirst CEng FICE, the chair of ICE’s Management Panel, to give evidence in person.
Hirst suggested that a full decant of occupants offered best value for public money. He told the committee that "giving clear access to a range of contractors over a period of time offers the simplest, best and lowest risk option."
ICE's submission offered evidence on the scope of the work as well as how the work should be delivered. Amongst the recommendations were to ensure that the project is properly resourced and funded, with highly capable and experienced professionals and adequate contingency provisions.
He also said that, “a partial decant would include quite a lot of working around existing activities. You would end up taking up a lot more space to allow existing activities to carry on. It would be quite difficult to co-ordinate and more expensive as a result.
“Continuing maintenance on a larger scale without decanting, we would never see the end of. It is beyond the working lifetime of the people involved and the scope of works would necessarily change during the lifetime of that scale of works."
He warned that the project needed a clear vision early on, in order to realise the opportunities that were on offer.
The joint committee agreed, concluding that the Palace 'faces an impending crisis which we cannot responsibly ignore'. They stated that there was ‘a substantial and growing risk of either a single, catastrophic event, such as a major fire, or a succession of incremental failures in essential systems which would lead to Parliament no longer being able to occupy the Palace.’
This article was originally published by ICE on 15 Sept 2016. It was written by Simon Barney.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Mapping tool for unused construction materials launched
A mapping tool that provides contractors and their suppliers with a central database of local Materials Exchange Platform (MEP) projects to help cut waste by finding a home for unused materials has been launched.
'Unusual' WW2 sites listed and upgraded to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain
An air raid shelter, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless cottage, a rare Chain Home radar defence tower, and a war memorial have been granted protection.
Derby City Council plans to knock down the 43-year old Assembly Rooms
A planning application has been submitted by Derby City Council to knock down the Assembly Rooms – which has played host to the likes of Elton John, Iron Maiden, Take That, etc.
RIBA launches new contracts for the provision of conservation architectural services
Specifically tailored for conservation projects, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched two brand new professional services contracts.
Liverpool Mayor blocks £5m zip wire plan
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has made a dramatic intervention into the zip wire row which has divided people, politicians and businesses in the city.
Big Ben’s roof is revealed as conservation work continues
The roof of the Elizabeth Tower (also known as Big Ben) is slowly becoming visible again from 28 September 2020, as part of the scaffolding is removed.
Discover webinars, lectures, training, and other events via IHBC's CPD Circular
The IHBC lists quality providers of education and learning in the historic built environment, and emails a monthly recap of their upcoming events.
Denmark’s 300-year-old homes of the future
On Læsø, houses are thatched with thick, heavy bundles of silvery seaweed that have the potential to be a contemporary building material around the world.
Upcoming Heritage Open Days to feature in-person and online events
For the first time in its history, England’s largest festival of heritage and culture will feature online events as well as in-person activities. Heritage Open Days (HODs) returns in September, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
RSA report ‘Heritage for inclusive growth’ published
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) shows the scale of the ‘missed opportunity’ if we continue to separate heritage policymaking and economic policymaking.