Grenfell Tower fire: Memorial construction could start in 2026

The government is yet to decide on the future of the tower itself

Construction of a permanent memorial to those affected by the Grenfell fire could begin in 2026, according to a new report.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission said the location, on the current site of the tower, should include a garden, monument and space for grieving.

It has called on the government to honour a commitment to fund the building and its long-term maintenance.

The government said it was "committed" to supporting the Grenfell community.

Seventy-two people died in the fire in west London in June 2017.

The commission, made up of representatives of the bereaved, survivors, local residents as well as two independent co-chairs, was set up to ensure the community was at the heart of decisions on the long-term future of the site.

'Sacred space'

Its latest report sets out a series of recommendations for a "sacred space" designed to be a "peaceful place for remembering and reflecting".

Views on using parts of the tower itself in any lasting memorial were mixed, the commission said, with some people saying it should be used, while "others do not agree".

It said it would "work through how we can respect the sensitivities on all sides".

The commission also stated that any parts of the tower not used for a memorial should be "respectfully laid to rest at a second site".

The tower in North Kensington, is currently covered in a protective wrap, adorned with a green heart and the words "forever in our hearts".

In conducting their research, the commission looked at memorials to other tragedies around the world including the Aberfan memorial in Wales, 7/7 in London and the 9/11 memorial in the US.

Other memorials were looked at by the commission including one in Hyde Park to honour victims of the 7/7 terror attacks

Potential suggestions included using light to depict the height of Grenfell Tower, similar to the 9/11 memorial, or columns lit up with green hearts.

'Dismantled with care'

While an exact timeline is not certain, the group said the memorial design could start in 2025 and the build could begin from late 2026, depending on a government decision about the future of the tower.

The commission said: "Everyone agrees that if Grenfell Tower comes down, it should be dismantled with care and respect, and in a way that honours our loved ones who were taken from us."

Responding to the report, Housing Secretary Michael Gove said: "My department will continue to work with the commission to take forward their recommendations for a lasting and fitting memorial."

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