DBR Ltd will oversee the creation of boreholes to assess ground conditions around the Parliamentary Estate, informing essential decisions about the Houses of Parliament restoration and renewal
DBR Ltd has been named as the General Contractor for the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority’s Intrusive Survey of the Palace of Westminster, commencing in July 2022. This follows their work on the renovation of The Elizabeth Tower and restoration and replacement of 50,000 encaustic tiles.
The surveys will continue over the next 12-18 months.
Highly specific methods of restoration and preservation will be used
The project team will undertake a wide range of activities, including the decanting of rooms and protection of heritage assets during works. Historic fabrics will be carefully dismantled and replaced after thorough investigations.
23 boreholes- some reaching 70m in depth- will be created to assess ground conditions in the Palace of Westminster. Archaeologists from the Museum of London will be onsite to record any findings of historic significance.
In addition, DBR will oversee the survey of 160 rooms across Parliament to evaluate issues, related to the intrusive survey. Simultaneously, specialist M&E teams will inspect miles of interconnected power cables, gas, water and heating pipes, and outdated water and sewage systems.
The project team will also support other framework lots to deliver the project objectives without damaging the structural integrity of the 150-year-old building.
“The most detailed ever surveys of the Palace of Westminster”
DBR will work alongside AECOM, Ductclean, Concept Engineering Consultants, Alan Conisbee & Associates and James Fisher Strainstall on the project.
David Goldstone, CEO of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority, says: “Our experts are carrying out the most detailed ever surveys of the Palace of Westminster, which will be critical to informing decisions about the essential restoration to preserve our historic Parliament buildings.”
