This weekend in West London, families who have lost loved ones, survivors, and local residents will gather to honor the memory of those who perished in the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the factors contributing to this “avoidable” tragedy— which resulted in the deaths of 72 individuals, including 18 children— is still in progress.

As plans for the demolition of the 23-story building are set to commence in the coming months, this year’s commemoration holds additional significance.

Many bereaved families and survivors believe that the tower should remain standing until criminal charges are filed, while some local residents express difficulty in confronting its presence daily.

Raymond “Moses” Bernard, who lived on the top floor of Grenfell Tower for over three decades, tragically died while sheltering neighbors in his one-bedroom apartment as the fire raged.

“That is my brother’s resting place,” remarks his sister Bernie Bernard as she gazes at the tower. “He was cremated within those walls.”

Bernie anticipates that Raymond’s apartment will likely be among the first to be taken down in the demolition process.

“I know that this resting place will be disturbed, but it must be done with respect and not entirely erased,” she asserts.

In February, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner informed families of her challenging decision to “take down the tower to the ground level.”

“I completely understand the need for the tower to come down,” Bernie acknowledges. “But it should remain until the criminal investigations are resolved, and prosecutions are enacted.”

Family friend Jackie Leger shared, “Seeing the tower and the green hearts provides us with hope.”

Bernie has urged Ms. Rayner to reconsider and allow some parts of the structure to remain.

“We were informed that the first ten floors were structurally sound,” she states. “At the very least, the reception area should be preserved.”

Jackie added, “I don’t understand why the government can’t delay the demolition for a few more years. It will deeply affect many, especially families.”

Survivor Tiago Alves, who was 21 when he escaped with his family from their 13th-floor apartment, paused his studies in the aftermath but has since returned to university to pursue a PhD in physics and advocates for Grenfell United.

“This will be an incredibly challenging anniversary since it will be the last one where the tower is still standing,” he reflects.

“For some, this site is a crime scene; for others, it is where they lost loved ones. Personally, it’s where my childhood was consumed by flames.”

Tiago frequently visits the makeshift memorial at the base of the tower to “reflect and remember.”

“I feel fortunate to be here when so many others are not,” he says.

“My view is that the tower should remain until justice is achieved.”

Munira Mahmud’s family also resided in Grenfell Tower for many years. They all escaped the fire and still live in North Kensington, though her best friend Rania Ibrahim and her two daughters, Fethia, four, and Hania, three, tragically did not survive.

“There are days when I simply go there and cry,” she admits. “I like to think maybe they can hear me—the souls that were lost, my friend, and the girls. I can almost hear them… calling out ‘Auntie… Mama.'”

Munira insists on maintaining the tower until criminal prosecutions occur.

“Our fight is for justice—accountability for those responsible. We deserve that,” she argues.

While she understands that the tower will eventually need to be brought down, she questions, “What’s the rush?”

Grenfell Tower was constructed with reinforced concrete in 1974, and its refurbishment with fire-prone cladding and insulation was finished just a year before the tragedy.

Filmmaker and artist Constantine Gras collaborated with residents during that time and chronicled the tower’s history.

“It’s heartbreaking to recognize that the tower, once a community’s heart, now represents a fractured society,” he lamented.

He reached out to one of the original architects, Nigel Whitbread, inviting him to meet with the residents.

“Nigel expressed that his design was robust and that the building ‘should endure for at least another hundred years’,” Constantine conveyed.

“We must acknowledge that there will always be a void in the landscape, serving as an enduring scar.”

A report from structural engineers dated December 2024 stated that although the tower was “stable,” it also noted that the “underlying structure will deteriorate over time” due to “significant fire damage.”

Engineers stated it would not be feasible to remediate all or part of the structure and indicated that the tower had suffered extensive damage above the 10th floor.

Though many families and survivors wish for the tower to remain, some nearby local residents prefer its removal, feeling it serves as a constant reminder and could pose safety risks.

Nahid Ashby, chair of the Silchester Estate Residents Association, acknowledged that the “deconstruction” will be a painful endeavor for many.

“As the anniversary approaches and the decision to dismantle the tower is made, I don’t believe there will ever be a perfect time for this,” she stated.

“The sooner it’s completed, the sooner a memorial can be established.”

“Grenfell Tower will never fade from memory. The legacy of Grenfell is forever etched in the hearts and souls of all who experienced it.”

Mushtaq Lasharie, chair of the Lancaster West Estate Residents Association, previously expressed hope that the decision might bring “closure.”

He also mentioned that most residents preferred it to be taken down, feeling it was a “daily reminder” and possibly “hazardous.”

Sandra Ruiz serves on the Grenfell Memorial Commission, an independent group with members from bereaved families, survivors, and local resident organizations.

Her niece, Jessica Urbano Ramirez, perished in the fire, just weeks shy of her 13th birthday.

“I wish she were here, thriving and learning, embracing life to the fullest,” says Sandra. “But she is not.”

“This is why the memorial holds such importance for the families: honoring the children and adults lost.”

For the past few years, the commission has been engaging with those impacted while researching the creation of memorials elsewhere.

Sandra mentioned that they have considered sites commemorating the victims of Aberfan, Hillsborough, and 9/11 in New York.

“We are examining how a memorial is built and maintained, selecting designers, and understanding which materials will endure,” she explained.

According to Sandra, “It is essential for the government to heed the community’s perspective on the memorial and the future of the tower.”

Planning permission for the memorial is expected to be sought by late 2026.

The next steps carry immense significance.

Bernie asserted, “Grenfell must be remembered. Its presence needs to endure.”

“The memorial should be a space where we can find tranquility, as we do each anniversary,” Jackie added.

Munira remarked, “We seek a place to sit, reflect, remember, and pray for them.”

Tiago Alves expressed that he does not have specific demands regarding the memorial’s form, but it must be a space where “people can find peace, no matter how many years pass.”

The government has declined requests for interviews from BBC London.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated, “We recognize that Grenfell Tower holds profound personal significance for those most impacted by the tragedy, and all work at the site must be carried out with sensitivity and respect.”

The spokesperson indicated that the demolition process is expected to last two years, commencing this September, and will take place behind protective barriers.

The “Forever in Our Hearts” banner will remain displayed.

“The tower might be coming down, but we are strong and resilient. We will continue our pursuit of justice,” Jackie asserted. “Nothing will deter us.”