Deloitte Real Estate, AECOM and HOK have been reappointed to support the Palace of Westminster’s Restoration and Renewal Programme, working as part of an integrated team with the client. The agreement to extend the contract that was awarded to the consortium in December 2013 for the preparation of the independent options appraisal (IOA) was announced by John Thurso MP, spokesman for the House of Commons Commission, and Lord Sewel, Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords, in a written statement to Parliament yesterday (16/12/14).

The IOA report containing the findings is expected to be published in June/July 2015. The report will form the basis for consultation and engagement in the next Parliament, with a decision on a preferred way forward for the Palace of Westminster’s Restoration and Renewal Programme expected by spring 2016.

While the IOA will provide detailed information to help the two Houses make a broad decision in principle, further studies are also required to support the more detailed planning and design process that must follow that decision.

Deloitte Real Estate and AECOM with HOK have been retained to progress a range of further studies through to spring 2016, all aimed at supporting the more detailed planning and design process that will follow a decision in principle. These studies are beginning now so that Parliament is ready to commission design work once a decision has been made. This will keep the programme on track for a potential 2020/21 start date without anticipating the selection of a particular scenario.

Dr Richard Ware, Programme Director for Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal, said: “The building is getting older faster than we’re able to deal with it. We are bringing in the necessary expertise to advise on repairing this historic building of national importance so that it is equipped for the future.”

Alex Bell, the consortium’s Programme Director and a Partner of Deloitte Real Estate, said: “It is clear that the UK’s most iconic national treasure is in need of significant investment and it’s been a privilege to help build a picture of understanding.

“We are delighted that further joint early stage analysis and planning will be progressed over the next 18 months in accordance with accepted best practice and drawing on all the recent mega-project successes of UK PLC.”

John Hicks, Director and Head of Government & Public sector at AECOM, said: “Other major public projects consistently demonstrate that effort put into early planning is rewarded later with better assurance around delivery. The Olympics and Crossrail are testimony to this approach. A focus on shared goals and a real spirit of collaboration between the public and private sector have also contributed to the success of the programme.”

Further information on the programme can be found on the Parliamentary website.