Projects

Palace of Westminster UNESCO World Heritage Site

Extensive asbestos removal works across one of the Capital’s most prestigious buildings

Project overview

In December 2016, Horizon Environmental Ltd was contracted by Wates Construction to provide licensed & non-licensed asbestos removal works within the UNESCO World Heritage Site critical life safety project.  These works were to allow the installation of upgraded fire alarm systems and associated emergency signage throughout the building.

Already having first-hand experience of working with Wates on numerous large-scale projects, Horizon Environmental Ltd was committed to delivering a constant on-site presence and supplying additional resources during parliamentary recesses for additional works to help maintain Wates’ tight schedule.

Client

Wates Construction Ltd

Sector

Commercial

Contract value

In excess of £1.1million

Location

Westminster, London

Programme
December 2016 to present

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, removal works at the Palace of Westminster are more complex than other projects.  

Project requirements

During these ongoing works, the Horizon Environmental Ltd site team has conducted removal works on a number of different asbestos containing materials – asbestos insulation board, asbestos insulation debris, and asbestos sprayed coating under fully controlled conditions.

Due to the age and layout of the building, Horizon has also provided a standby site team for investigation works throughout the project to assist other trades in accessing areas to ensure planned works are completed on schedule and within budget.

Challenges on site

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, removal works are more complex than other projects.  Planning of such works needs to be extremely well organised and communicated to our client subject to works commencing.  Additionally, with being a highly secure site, all members of the Horizon team working on this project have undertaken strict vetting procedures. Owing to the security at the site, deliveries have to be booked in advance.

Project outcome

As the required works for the critical safety project continues to grow, the Horizon management team has created and implemented an ongoing recruitment policy to ensure sufficient resources are available as the projects grows.  We have had confirmation from our Wates sponsor that our services are required for the next 18 months of the project with a further requirement for additional works once the refurbishment phase of works begin.

Find out more about our nationwide asbestos removal services.