Big Ben, the famous bell in the Palace of Westminster’s clock tower, will cease chiming for three years from 2017 during a £29m restoration programme.
The last extensive conservation works on the tower were carried out more than 30 years ago, and the House of Commons said that “significant work is now required to ensure it remains in good condition and is safeguarded for future generations”.
The works on the 96m-high tower will:
- Repair problems identified with the tower and clock, which cannot be rectified whilst the clock is in action;
- Repair and redecorate the interior, renew the building services and carry out work to improve health and safety and fire prevention;
- Increase energy efficiency to reduce the tower’s environmental impact.
The tower will be partially clad in scaffolding during the work, though at least one clock face will be on show at all times.
The 160-year old tower is Grade I listed and the works have been planned in consultation with Historic England, the House of Commons said.
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake, spokesperson for the House of Commons Commission, said: “The Elizabeth Tower is a symbol of the UK’s democratic heritage and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We have a duty to ensure that it is safeguarded for future generations to appreciate, just as we owe it to our predecessors to restore their masterpiece to its former glory. While these works are much needed in the short-term, they will also ensure the long-term future and sustainability of Big Ben.”
Big Ben is the nickname for the bell in the tower – officially the Great Bell – though this is often extended to include the clock – or Great Clock – and the clock tower, known as the Elizabeth Tower since 2012. The tower is visited by around 12,000 people each year.
