Architect chosen to design Grenfell memorial

Grenfell Tower is being gradually dismantled

An architect has been selected to design a memorial on the site of the Grenfell Tower.

The west London building - where a deadly fire broke out in June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people - is currently being brought down floor-by-floor.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission (GTMC) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have chosen Freehaus from a shortlist of five firms. More than 25 applications were submitted to design the memorial.

A spokesperson for the commission said the decision brought them closer to having a "bold, fitting, and lasting memorial to our 72 loved ones, and to our Grenfell community, whose lives were forever-changed by the devastating tragedy".

A final design is expected to be announced in mid-2027, while the process of dismantling the tower is expected to take two years.

GTMC's community representatives added: "We feel confident that the right team has been selected to walk this road with us."

They added: "Creating a memorial that truly reflects our community's hopes, needs and memories will only be achieved through the continued involvement of the bereaved families, the survivors and those that live metres from Grenfell Tower."

"We will never forget."

Freehaus directors Jonathan Hagos and Tom Bell said they were honoured to have been chosen.

"Over the last year we have been invited to listen to the experiences of those most affected by the tragedy and we are grateful to all who have shared so openly the lasting impacts of that night."

Award-winning architect Freehaus has worked on a range of projects in London, including The Africa Centre in Southwark, three libraries in Ealing, a youth space in Wood Green and the RIBA headquarters refurbishment.

The firm, which was established in 2012, has also completed award-winning projects in Europe.