Sir Robert McAlpine’s special projects division has been awarded the scaffolding contract and pre-construction service agreement (PCSA) to restore the Big Ben tower at the Palace of Westminster.
The three-year programme of essential works is necessary to repair problems identified with the Elizabeth Tower and the Great Clock, which cannot be rectified whilst the clock is in action.
Work will begin in 2017 with McAlpine repairing and redecorating the interior and renewing the building services, conserving significant elements of the Tower.
The value of the scaffolding construction and PCSA is £3.5m. The conservation of the Elizabeth Tower as a whole is expected to cost £29m.
McAlpine will begin work on constructing the scaffolding in January 2017 and is expected to last approximately six months. The scaffolding will be in place for the duration of the upgrade works, and at least one clock face will be visible at all times.
In addition to the conservation work, work will be carried out to improve and upgrade health and safety and fire prevention for staff and visitors within the Tower, in line with the Regulatory Reform Order 2005.
A lift will also be fitted into one of the existing ventilation shafts. To improve the Tower’s energy efficiency, mechanical and electrical services will be renewed and updated and the lights illuminating the clock dials and the belfry will be replaced with low energy LEDs.
Image: Presian1801/Dreamstime.com
