Elizabeth Tower shortlisted for RIBA Stirling Prize

Purcell’s exemplary conservation of London’s most iconic heritage landmark has entered the running for UK architecture’s top prize.

Today’s announcement marks a historic first: never before has a conservation project been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.

It signals a shift we hope defines the future of architecture, with reuse and restoration at its core. As the world’s largest practice dedicated to heritage conservation since our founding in 1947, Purcell are immensely proud to see this achievement recognised.

“Being shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize is an extraordinary honour for Purcell and for everyone who worked on the Elizabeth Tower. The success of this project represents more than exemplary conservation: it has safeguarded one of the nation’s most treasured buildings for generations to come. To see conservation recognised at this level shows a powerful shift in the architectural profession, where the future is increasingly built on respecting and reusing the past.”

– Mark Goldspink, CEO, Purcell

A restoration like no other

The Elizabeth Tower was a groundbreaking piece of architecture, and the last work of Augustus Welby Pugin, who died at the age of 40, leaving a prolific legacy of work surviving in the 21st century.

The tower is probably the most famous building in the UK and a symbol of our democracy and Victorian innovation around the world.

As a conservation practice, we very much believe that great architecture should be built to last and repaired with respect to the original design vision. Conservation, sustainability and design excellence go hand in hand. Building with long lasting, natural materials and carefully repairing our buildings is inherently sustainable, and where materials with high embodied carbon are used, such as cast iron, this impact needs to be justified by longevity.

Our adaptations and new design elements are designed to enhance the experience of visiting the tower with respect to opportunities possible within the original design.

The biggest visual change is the reintroduction of Pugin’s original Prussian Blue and gold colour scheme to the clock dials. In the Belfry, a new glass enclosure at the top of the original stone spiral stair allowed us to reinstate the original view of Big Ben for visitors whilst dealing with water ingress, and providing lift access to the Belfry.

Elizabeth Tower: RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 shortlist

Working closely with Parliament’s Strategic Estates team throughout, we were delighted to see them shortlisted for RIBA Client of the Year, acknowledging their role in championing excellence during the project.

"This shortlisting celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.”

– Chris Elliot, Managing Director, Strategic Estates

The restoration encompassed every aspect of the structure.

The Great Clock, stonework and decorative details were meticulously repaired, original finishes – including the vivid Prussian blue and gold colour scheme on the clockface – were reinstated, and damaging past alterations were undone. A new glass stair enclosure with an integrated lift improved access while protecting the historic fabric, while modernised mechanical, electrical and fire safety systems brought the tower into the 21st century with energy-efficient technology

“Like many conservation projects, appreciating the achievement requires some investigation. The shape of the tower, the clock faces and the sounds of the bells are mostly appreciated from a distance, as a dominant presence within one of the world’s most recognisable skylines. The jury’s inspection was carried out from within, after entering through a very modest door to one side of the main thoroughfare of MPs and parliamentary staff going about their business.”

– RIBA Awards Jury

The project has not only preserved a cultural monument of global significance but also invested in heritage skills, from stonemasonry and gilding to glass cutting and horology, ensuring these crafts remain alive alongside the fabric they have helped to conserve.

The winner of the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced at The Roundhouse, London, on the 16th of October.