Wates Construction has been awarded a £110.6 million contract to carry out major restoration and repair works on the historic Victoria Tower, one of the most recognisable elements of the Palace of Westminster.

Standing at the south-west corner of the Palace, the Grade I listed tower was completed in 1860 and is approximately three times the size of its more famous counterpart, the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben. Victoria Tower plays a central role in parliamentary ceremonies, including the State Opening of Parliament.

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The extensive project is set to begin in mid-September 2025 and will continue through to 2031. The work will involve a blend of critical safety upgrades and intricate conservation efforts designed to preserve the structure for future generations.

Among the key elements of the refurbishment are:

• Repairs to the tower's ornate stonemasonry

• Restoration of the historic window glazing

• Complete stripping and replacement of the roof

• Removal, restoration, and reinstatement of the 22.3-metre flagpole, which makes Victoria Tower taller than the Elizabeth Tower

The upcoming work marks the first significant intervention since the early 1990s, when measures were taken to protect the parliamentary records archive stored within the tower from pollution damage. This new phase of restoration will draw on both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques, engaging specialist companies and skilled artisans from across the UK.