The Dutch parliamentary complex in the heart of The Hague needs major renovations in order to meet current fire and safety standards, according to a report drawn up on behalf of housing minister Stef Blok.

In particular, the situation in the Ridderzaal (knights’ chamber), which dates back to the 13th century, is acute, the report says.

Parliament itself currently meets in a modern building, opened in 1992, but since then there has only been limited repair work carried out on the complex as a whole. Many of the other buildings in the Binnenhof date from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The renovations, which could start in 2018 if approved, will require entire departments and the senate, or upper house of parliament, to shift to temporary offices.