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.
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