The Holyrood Project is a major construction project in Edinburgh, Scotland that aims to provide a new home for the Scottish Parliament. The project, which is being led by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), involves the construction of a new parliamentary complex on the site of the former Holyrood High School.
The project has been controversial from the start, with many critics arguing that it is unnecessary and too expensive. However, supporters of the project argue that the current parliamentary building, which is located at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is inadequate for the needs of the Scottish Parliament.
The Holyrood Project involves the construction of a new debating chamber, committee rooms, and offices for MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) and parliamentary staff. The complex will also include a public café, a restaurant, and a shop, as well as a multi-storey car park.
Construction on the Holyrood Project began in June 1999 and was completed in 2004, at a cost of £414 million. The project faced a number of delays and cost overruns, which led to criticism from both the media and the public.
Despite the controversy surrounding the project, the Holyrood parliamentary complex has received widespread praise for its design and sustainability features. The building was designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles, who used a combination of traditional Scottish materials such as stone and timber, and modern techniques such as energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.
In conclusion, the Holyrood Project was a major construction project that aimed to provide a new home for the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Despite facing criticism and delays, the finished parliamentary complex has been praised for its design and sustainability features.