The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has reacted to the National Audit Office (NAO)’s latest report, published today, assessing the progress of the Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme.
The RIBA writes:
The National Audit Office has released a new report examining the proposals for restoring the Palace of Westminster and has assessed them against established practice for major programmes. This report delves into whether the programme is set up for success at this stage of development and makes recommendations where necessary to put it on a stronger footing. It examines:
- progressing the Programme, including the risks of delay and re?opening decisions
- how the cost and schedule estimates for the costed proposals were developed and assured
- plans for the phase one works including temporary accommodation
- how governance on the Programme is working and how it may need to change
Jack Pringle, Chair of RIBA Board of Trustees, said: ‘The Palace of Westminster clearly needs urgent works, and doing nothing is not an option without serious safety and financial consequences. It is clear that piecemeal maintenance or continued occupation will not deliver an effective solution. Therefore at this critical stage, full decant is the cheapest, safest and fastest option, offering the clearest route to control costs, shorten timelines and improve safety. The report highlights the need to review the Programme’s governance arrangements, and we’d encourage a simpler model based on a single point of accountability and lean governance. We urge Parliament to show decisive leadership and set a timely, clear direction to avoid delay.’
