The House of Commons is looking for architects to review the use of space on its nine-building estate. It is possible that the move will bring Sir Michael Hopkins, designer of the MPs’ Portcullis House, back into the parliamentary arena.
Hopkins’ practice, Michael Hopkins and Partners, and DEGW have responded to the request.

The buildings to be examined will include the Houses of Parliament, the Millbank offices and Portcullis House.

One parliament source said there was a need to look at the interior usage in the buildings.

There has always been pressure on space. We need an expert

Parliamentary source

The source said: “There has always been pressure on space. What with 659 MPs and more than 300 peers and staff it is always going to be tight. We need someone with expertise to tell us where we can maximise some of the areas currently unused.”