Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster (PoW) is an iconic landmark, globally recognised and centrally located in London. It houses both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Grade I listed, the site is a bustling working environment with stringent high-security protocols.
Following a competitive tendering process, we were awarded sole supply status for servicing the entire parliamentary estate as the client’s subject matter expert in asbestos removals. We are the sole incumbent Licenced Asbestos Removal Contractor (LARC) on the parliamentary estate providing asbestos removal and remediation services.
1840
construction starts on the PoW
1,100
rooms within the palace
4.8
km of passageways
Additionally, we are a term contractor on the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal (R&R) programme. Our Contracts Manager is a member of the R&R ‘Expert Panel’, acting as a subject matter expert as part of a highly experienced advisory panel of trade specific experts. We deploy a dedicated team stationed full time at the Palace of Westminster, inclusive of experienced personnel adept in navigating the Parliamentary estate’s logistical roadmap and layout, considering all site nuances.
We have undertaken reactive works on the Parliament estate under unforeseen circumstances. In September 2022, we were called to carry out emergency works while HM Queen Elizabeth II lay in state at Westminster Hall. We worked on a new BT Frame Room and conducted further works around Westminster Hall, collaborating closely with appointed contractors. We responded immediately, meticulously adhering to tight timescales, understanding the pressures to deliver a ‘right first time’ approach given the unique situation and national media coverage. We utilised an extensive contingency resource team, all security cleared and vetted to work on the parliamentary estate, to meet the surge requirement. Several trades and contractors were involved, making it vital to achieve timescales and avoid delays and disruptions to other contractors.
Flexible working around specialist occasions and Parliamentary hours has required a tailored approach. We plan works around recess periods and Parliamentary hours, maintaining a low-key presence to minimise noise, dust, debris, and interference while MPs, staff, visitors, and contractors go about their duties.
Given the Palace of Westminster’s Grade I listed status and historic heritage, we take necessary care and attention when working with heritage and listed items, artefacts, and areas. We have developed a collaborative relationship with Parliament conservation experts. For recent projects, our Contracts Manager has liaised with the Houses of Parliament Principal Architect to manage and conserve heritage and historical items.