Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment he has made of the risk of damage to the Victoria Tower from (1) the excavations, and (2) the vibrations from heavy piling work, required for the development of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre at Victoria Tower Gardens.

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf.

The full assessment of risks to the Parliamentary Estate, including the Victoria Tower, from the construction of the Holocaust Memorial can only be made once detailed design proposals are available to review.

Different construction and excavation plans will have different impacts and risks. We plan to install vibration monitors when and where appropriate.

It is expected that the Holocaust Memorial project team will engage with the House as a key stakeholder throughout the detailed design stage.