The final piece of scaffolding has been slotted into place as the Elizabeth Tower project reached a major milestone this week. The scheme, which will see the conservation and restoration of Big Ben, is now covered in 98m high scaffolding as restoration work commences.

It’s likely to be a key talking point at the London’s Major Estates Development Plans Conference next week where we’ll be hearing from Ian Ailles, House of Commons Director General, and Victor Akinbile, Director of Project Delivery at the Houses of Parliament Project Delivery Team.

The huge challenge of restorating the Grade I listed building has been given to developers Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, who held a rooftop ceremony to mark the major milestone.

Director General of the House of Commons, Ian Allies, said of the scheme: ”The steel structure encasing the Elizabeth Tower consists of nearly 24,000 elements, weights 800 tonnes and has taken just over a year to complete. Despite the complex programme and challenging weather conditions earlier this year, we are on schedule, to the credit of all those working on this much-loved landmark and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Tower.”

We’re set to hear more about the ongoing project and future plans for the estates at the London’s Major Estates Development Plans Event – join us there!