Big Ben: Big Ben scaffolding - See 31,789 traveler reviews, 16,208 candid photos, and great deals for London, UK, at Tripadvisor. Start your Independent Premium subscription today.Its gradual unveiling marks the progress of the project to renovate the landmark, which began in 2017 and is due to be completed in 2021.“A lot of hard work and ingenuity has brought us to this point and while there is much work still to be done, it is worth pausing to appreciate how far we have come.”Enter your email to follow new comments on this article.Are you sure you want to submit this vote?Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. The spire of Big Ben will begin to be revealed after months of work on the iconic spire at parliament left the tower completely obscured by scaffolding. The clock, formally known as the Elizabeth Tower, sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. Even covered in scaffolding Big Ben is still one of London's most recognised landmarks and draws millions of visitors every year. "However, given the most recent developments we do not believe we should be asking our people to travel on public transport. Start your Independent Premium subscription today.“And now we get to show everyone a bit more of what we have been working on.”Charlotte Claughton, senior project leader, added: “Removing the scaffolding in stages is part of our commitment to make sure as much as possible of this iconic landmark is visible to the public.Are you sure you want to delete this comment?The bell itself was silenced due to restoration in August 2017, returning again briefly in November that year when it chimed out for Armistice Day.“It means that we are getting nearer the end and that people can again enjoy this symbol of our nation and of democracy.‘The first section coming down is a key moment in the project,’ principal architect says“We share the world’s love of the tower and the clock and I know the whole team feel so privileged to be part of this project.Create a commenting name to join the debateThe existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. Our guide tells you everything you need to know about the famous bell that sits at the heart of England's parliament - the Palace of Westminster. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. Big Ben - the most famous clock in the world. We cannot operate canteens on our sites; we are not classified as key workers; and upholding the social distancing rule is unfeasible on some of our projects.Paul Hamer, SRM chief executive, said the company had done a "fantastic job in incredibly difficult circumstances."Construction was allowed to continue during the first stage of lockdown (following significant confusion and controversy), but Westminster authorities decided to limit access to the tower (and other parliamentary estate projects) to minimise the spread of the Covid-19.Conservation efforts on Elizabeth Tower began in August 2017, with initial plans to silence the bell until the refurbishment's estimated completion in 2021."Because of this then we are unable to operate all sites safely and effectively whilst remaining in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines," he added.What's the update on the world's most iconic clock?After at least seven weeks of inactivity, some work has resumed on Big Ben.So, why has the famous clock tower been covered in scaffolding, and what's the latest news in lockdown?It was completed in 1859, and over 160 years later, it stands as a Grade I listed building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a British cultural icon known worldwide.The conservation works aim to repair problems, conserve significant elements of the tower, repair and redecorate the interior, renew the building services, improve health, safety and fire protection systems, and improve energy efficiency.But public outrage led to a change of plans, and it was decided Big Ben would bong on important national events throughout the four-year conservation period.This was because the scale of the job was found to be bigger than expected.A lift will also be installed to make emergency evacuation easier and increase accessibility.The last time significant work was carried out from was from 1983 to 1985, but Big Ben is constantly being adjusted and maintained.Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the company in charge of Big Ben's refurbishment, closed many of their sites and offices, following Boris Johnson's lockdown announcement on March 23.Big Ben - the most famous clock in the world.At the start of 2020, the cost of the project rose to £80 million - £51 million more than the initial estimated price of £29 million in 2016.