The last notable works on the tower were carried out in the early 1990s.
Completed in 1860, the Victoria Tower stands at the southwest corner of the Palace of Westminster, significantly larger than the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. It plays a prominent role in parliamentary events, including the State Opening of Parliament. The restoration of this Grade 1-listed structure is set to begin in mid-September 2025 and continue until 2031.
The project will involve critical safety upgrades, alongside extensive restoration and conservation work. Over the next six years, Wates will collaborate with specialist firms and skilled craftspeople across the UK, combining traditional techniques with modern innovations. The work includes repairing the tower’s stonemasonry, restoring window glazing, replacing the roof, and refurbishing the 22.3-meter flagpole, which enhances the tower’s prominence compared to the Elizabeth Tower.
The Victoria Tower last underwent significant maintenance in the early 1990s to safeguard the parliamentary records archive stored inside from pollution damage. This new project aims to ensure the tower’s structural integrity and historical value for years to come.
Wates Construction London managing director Steve Holbrook stated: “This project is a significant step forward for us in the public sector and heritage space, reflecting the outstanding work of both our preconstruction and delivery teams.”
In addition to this contract, Wates was appointed in April 2025 by the UK’s Government Property Agency to handle the Category B fit-out of a new government office at Manchester’s First Street, following the completion of the Category A fit-out and the start of the lease. The Victoria Tower project underscores Wates’ growing expertise in heritage preservation and public sector initiatives, ensuring the longevity of a landmark integral to the UK’s parliamentary heritage.
