How can a building the size of parliament cost upwards of 7 billion pounds to refurb. No matter how architecturally and culturally significant. Looks like some favoured firms will be securing their next 12 to 20 years of shareholder value.
You could build it from scratch for less. That's some estimate isn't it, I can imagine a builder looking up at Parliament, rubbing his chin saying "yeh i reckon I could do it for between 7 and 13 billion"
The almost complete rebuild of notre dame is only about 300 million even if it runs to double that parliament can't be any more than a billion. And 12 to 20 years - FFS HOW.
The same Government who gave contracts to their mates for unusable PPE. Surprised its only that. Bet it comes in substantially more.
How long before it turns out the contract was awarded to a shell company with links to the cabinet who are subcontracting work and taking a cut?
Quite, where's Guido when you need him?
It is a labyrinth, and it is in appalling condition, and has been maintained in a very haphazard way over the years. But as you say, that is an astronomical figure for a building that is never going to be fit for modern purpose. I'd level it and move the whole operation to somewhere like Leeds or Sheffield.