Architect says alternative plan would save 拢1.8bn on cost of restoring Palace of Westminster

Gensler floating Parliament

Gensler has unveiled an alternative temporary home for MPs and Lords 鈥� a floating Houses of Parliament on the Thames.

The 拢160m complex 鈥� said to be inspired by the hammer-beam roof of Wesminster Hall 鈥� would save over 拢1.8bn on the cost of revamping the Palace of Westminster, currently estimated to run to 拢4bn.

Parliamentarians have already considered a floating temporary home, but rejected this option due to navigation concerns on the River Thames, opting instead to relocate MPs and peers in separate buildings across Westminster.

Gensler said the 250m-long new-build structure was slender enough not to impact on river traffic and would save money compared to costly refurbishment work to accommodate MPs and peers elsewhere.

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