A new chief executive is appointed for the Palace of Westminster Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority.
- Russ MacMillan takes over the vital restoration programme at a critical juncture.
- The authority is progressing with two main options for the restoration project.
- Recent years have seen ongoing debates on how to address the palace’s deteriorating condition.
- Costed proposals for restoration options are expected by the end of 2025.
The Palace of Westminster’s Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority has appointed Russ MacMillan as its new chief executive. This transition comes at a pivotal time, as the authority is actively working on two of the three proposed options for the building’s restoration. MacMillan, who currently serves as director for rail infrastructure north and west at the Department for Transport, brings extensive experience in managing large-scale programmes and is expected to bolster the authority’s capability in making headway with the restoration plans.
Mike Brown, chair of the Delivery Authority, remarked on the significance of this transitional period, citing that ‘as we move into the next year, the Delivery Authority has important work to deliver.’ The focus remains on developing the potential restoration options and advancing early stages of work to hasten the delivery of the programme’s benefits. Brown emphasised the ongoing collaboration with Parliament to enhance understanding and strategies necessary for the Palace’s refurbishment.
MacMillan expressed his enthusiasm regarding his new position, highlighting his commitment to furthering the authority’s progress and supporting critical decision-making processes. ‘I am delighted to be joining the Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority at such a crucial time as it further develops two of the three proposals for restoration of the Palace in a way which will benefit the whole of the UK,’ he stated. This development underlines the importance placed on the role by both the authority and Parliament in preserving this renowned landmark.
The interim chief executive, Tanya Coff, has been overseeing the authority’s operations following David Goldstone’s departure in August 2024, and will continue to do so until MacMillan assumes office in mid-February 2025. The Palace of Westminster, a historic symbol of British governance, has faced significant challenges due to its dilapidated state, requiring a comprehensive and sustainable solution to its many issues.
Efforts to refurbish the Palace have been ongoing for over a decade, with the Delivery Authority considering a full decant option and a continued presence option, while Parliament’s Strategic Estates team works on an enhanced maintenance and improvement plan. A resolution to these debates is crucial, as costed proposals are anticipated to be ready for Parliamentary consideration by the end of 2025.
The appointment of Russ MacMillan marks a strategic step forward in the critical restoration of the Palace of Westminster.
