Renovations to the Dutch parliamentary complex in the heart of The Hague will cost between €500m and €600m, according to a report sent to housing minister Stef Blok.

Former minister Liesbeth Spies, who wrote the report, told Dutch media that a quick decision on the work is necessary.

‘The fire service has already emphasised on a number of occasions that the buildings do not meet fire and safety standards,’ she said. Adding that ‘there is no acute danger’.

The report says the best way to deal with the renovations is in one go over a five-year period. This would necessitate the both houses of parliament moving out to temporary accommodation, but would bring down the cost by about 20%.

Phased approach

Alternatively, there could be a phased approach in which buildings were closed one by one. This would take 13 years, the report says.

Many of the buildings in the complex date from the 17th and 18th centuries, with the Ridderzaal (knights’ chamber) dating back to the 13th century.

Parliament itself currently meets in a modern building, opened in 1992, but since then there has only been limited repair work carried out.