Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors every summer.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. In measurements, the building is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central quadrangle) and 24 metres high.
Now the U.K. government has announced plans to spend £369 million ($458 million) to replace wiring and pipes on the property that are more than 60 years old. The overall design and exterior of the 775-room palace will remain the same.
“The project seeks to prevent a serious risk of fire, flood and damage to both the building and the priceless Royal Collection of art belonging to the nation,” the U.K. Treasury said.
Parliament must still approve the 10-year project. That’s expected to happen by March 2017. The official committee said parliament “must act now” so that the restoration work can begin early next decade.