Not So Funny With Peace, Love & Understanding

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19 July 2018 | Updated 20 July 2018

Liz Peace, who has a huge love and knowledge of the property game, has taken responsibility for the restoration of Westminster after years of farcical delays and procrastination.

Vacate

Earlier this year, both Houses of Parliament, after years of wrangle and deliberation, agreed to temporarily vacate the Palace of Westminster to allow the increasingly urgent work on the building to be carried out in one single phase. They also agreed to establish an Olympic-style Sponsor Board, set up through legislation, and Delivery Authority to manage the work. This will be referred to as the Shadow Sponsor Board to oversee restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster.

Elizabeth (Liz) Peace CBE, Chair of the Government Property Agency, has been appointed as Chair of the Shadow Sponsor Board. The governing bodies of both the House of Commons and House of Lords approved her appointment on Monday July 16.

On board

Liz Peace joins four other industry figures, as well as seven Members of Parliament from both Houses, in making up the Shadow Sponsor Board. The Board will own the budget, business case and scope of the restoration programme. The Board will be set up initially in shadow form and subsequently through legislation.

Peace has more than 35 years’ experience in government and the property sector, currently serving as Chair of the Government Property Agency, established to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Government Estate. She is also Chairman of the Mayor of London’s Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, which manages the UK’s largest regeneration project, as well as being a former Chief Executive of the British Property Federation.

Seven Members from across both Houses have also been appointed, nominated by political parties. They include former members of the Joint Committee on the Palace of Westminster as well as Members of Parliament with a wide range of experience in the public and private sectors.

Tom Brake MP, Spokesperson for the Commons Commission, said: “The refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster is one of the most significant heritage restoration projects this country will ever see. Establishing a Sponsor Board, to ensure value for money for taxpayers, and to keep the project on track and on budget, will be absolutely vital for this project to succeed.”

Lord McFall of Alcluith, Spokesperson for the House of Lords Commission, said: “This Sponsor Board will be tasked with preserving the Palace of Westminster as the home of Parliament for future generations, so it’s vital that the Board possesses the skills, vision and leadership to make this happen. The appointment of someone of Liz Peace’s calibre and experience, as well as her considerable knowledge of corporate governance, is good news for the Restoration and Renewal Programme as it embarks on this crucial phase of its journey.”

Peace

Peace said: “It's an honour to be taking on this important role. The Palace of Westminster is an iconic building, of huge national importance and I’m thrilled to be leading this much needed restoration project. Together with the talent, knowledge and experience of the wider Board, I hope to help steer the project through to successful completion and create a Parliament building of which the whole country can be proud.”

Picture: Elizabeth (Liz) Peace CBE.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 19 July 2018

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