The remnants of Grenfell Tower in west London, where a tragic fire claimed the lives of 72 individuals, are set to be demolished over a two-year timeline, commencing after the eighth anniversary of the 2017 incident.
On Friday, the housing secretary, Angela Rayner, made the official announcement following discussions with bereaved families and survivors earlier that week.
The catastrophic fire on June 14, 2017, engulfed the high-rise building in North Kensington, resulting in the deaths of 70 people, with two additional fatalities occurring later in hospital.
The final report from the Grenfell Tower inquiry, released in September, determined that the disaster stemmed from “decades of failure” by both the government and the construction industry to address the hazards posed by flammable materials in high-rise structures.
In a statement, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government noted that no alterations would occur to the tower before its eighth anniversary. They also mentioned that the government would soon appoint a specialized contractor to create a comprehensive plan for the tower’s dismantling.
The ministry stated, “It is anticipated that a careful and considerate progressive deconstruction will take approximately two years, executed behind protective wrapping.”
Grenfell United, which advocates for bereaved and survivor voices, indicated earlier this week that it seemed “no one supported” the government’s choice to demolish the tower, with some members favoring preserving it as a memorial.
The group expressed, “Disregarding the perspectives of those who lost loved ones regarding the future of their resting place is shameful and inexcusable.”
A representative from Grenfell Next of Kin, another organization representing bereaved families, acknowledged that the decision was “undoubtedly sensitive and challenging,” yet families “recognize the harsh realities surrounding safety.”
The ministry remarked that retaining some floors as a memorial was neither practical nor equitable. It stated, “For some, Grenfell Tower symbolizes everything they have lost. Its presence serves to ensure that the tragedy is not forgotten and reminds us of the need for justice and accountability.
“For some individuals, seeing the tower daily helps them maintain a connection with those they have lost. However, for others, it serves as a painful reminder of past events and has a daily effect on members of the community.
“While some have proposed preserving certain floors for memorial purposes, others argue that this would be too distressing.”
The ministry committed to ongoing collaboration with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission as the community selects a design team for the memorial.
Downing Street stated that Rayner would guarantee bereaved families, survivors, and residents “continue to have opportunities to engage with her” about “issues that matter to them the most.”
According to No 10, she had interacted with Grenfell survivors, bereaved individuals, and local community leaders in the months leading up to the decision, countering claims that she sought to evade scrutiny by issuing a press release for the announcement.
“The deputy prime minister has been adamant about her commitment to engaging with survivors and bereaved families first. It was crucial for the community to be informed of the decision initially,” stated a spokesperson for Keir Starmer.
“She has participated in numerous meetings with the community, bereaved individuals, and affected families since taking office. This illustrates our dedication to this matter, and she remains committed to prioritizing these voices in the decision-making process.”
When questioned about the criticism surrounding the decision, the spokesperson noted that “there are clearly diverse opinions on this” within the community.
In May 2024, prosecutors and police announced that investigators would require until the end of 2025 to complete their inquiry into the Grenfell disaster, with final determinations regarding possible criminal charges expected by the end of 2026.
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