Big Ben’s Grand Restoration Earns Place on Stirling Prize Shortlist
For more than five years, one of the most familiar landmarks in the world was hidden under scaffolding. The Elizabeth Tower, often simply called Big Ben, was undergoing the most extensive restoration in its 160-year history. Now, not only has the tower re-emerged in its full glory, but it has also been shortlisted for the UK’s most prestigious architecture award—the RIBA Stirling Prize.
The project, which cost around £80 million, went far beyond a simple facelift. This was a masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship. The clock mechanism itself was carefully repaired, while the four iconic faces of the clock were returned to their original Victorian design, gleaming once again in blue and gold. Even details like the St George’s Cross emblems were reinstated, returning the tower to Augustus Pugin’s original vision. Accessibility was improved too, with a lift installed so visitors no longer need to climb all 334 steps to the top.
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It is important to note that the name Big Ben actually belongs to the bell inside the tower, famous for its deep chimes. But for most people, the tower and the bell are inseparable symbols of London and indeed Britain itself. When the restoration was completed, the familiar bongs were heard again, and the tower was restored to its place at the very heart of national life.
What makes this nomination particularly striking is that the Stirling Prize often goes to brand-new buildings. This year’s shortlist includes bold and modern projects: a new London College of Fashion campus in Stratford, AstraZeneca’s striking Discovery Centre in Cambridge, a modern almshouse in Bermondsey designed to combat isolation among the elderly, and two inventive homes—one in Hastings and another in south London inspired by Japanese design. Against these cutting-edge projects, the Elizabeth Tower stands as a rare example of a restoration being recognised on equal terms.
Since its launch in 1996, the Stirling Prize has celebrated architectural vision, originality, and the power of design to shape society. Past winners have included Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre, the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, and even the Elizabeth Line just last year. Now, the newly unveiled tower joins that prestigious shortlist, proving that heritage can be just as innovative as the newest glass-and-steel creation.
Of course, the restoration didn’t come without controversy. The final cost was almost double the early estimates, rising from £29–45 million to more than £80 million. But supporters argue that the result justifies the expense. The tower now gleams with renewed splendour, and the craftsmanship displayed is likely to preserve it for generations to come.
The winner of the Stirling Prize will be announced in October, but regardless of the outcome, Big Ben’s restoration has already achieved something remarkable. A building that had grown tired and weathered has been given new life, ensuring that the bongs will continue to echo across London for another century and beyond.
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