Demolition efforts on Grenfell Tower are scheduled to commence this week, with the project anticipated to span over two years.

This announcement from the government came earlier in the year, revealing plans to dismantle the west London structure where a tragic fire occurred in 2017, resulting in the loss of 72 lives.

Preparations began over the summer, and the initial task will involve the removal of a former plant room at the top of the tower that housed heating and a water tank.

The government has assured the public that the demolition will be carried out “with great care and sensitivity,” focusing on minimizing noise and disruption for local residents.

The floor-by-floor demolition will be handled by Deconstruct UK, a company that has managed the site’s upkeep since 2017.

Once the plant room is demolished—a process expected to take several weeks—the focus will shift to dismantling the uppermost floor of the tower.

For the past eight years, the remains of the tower have stood on the site, adorned with a covering emblazoned with a large green heart and the phrase: “Forever in our hearts.”

The government indicated that a banner would continue to be displayed on the structure and would be lowered as the work progresses.

Earlier this year, the announcement about the tower’s demolition sparked discontent among some victims’ families and survivors, who expressed their feelings of being disregarded in the decision-making process.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner noted in an interview that her meeting with those most impacted by the tragedy would be “really difficult,” acknowledging there was “not a consensus” on the future of the tower.

Opinions varied widely; some hoped parts of it could be preserved as a memorial, while others felt that retaining it would be “too painful.”

Certain bereaved families and survivors wished the tower would remain until legal action was taken against those they believe are responsible for the fire.

In February, the government confirmed that engineering assessments indicated the tower had suffered “significant damage” and its condition would continue to deteriorate.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been seeking input on plans for a permanent memorial at the site, with suggestions including a “sacred space” meant to serve as a tranquil area for remembrance and reflection.

A planning application for the memorial may be submitted by late 2026.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated: “As we begin the careful demolition of the tower, we want to assure the community that the process will be executed with utmost care and consideration.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring that the events at Grenfell Tower are commemorated, and we will prioritize the voices of the community in our efforts to bring about the necessary changes to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.”