Grenfell Tower to Be Demolished Amid Controversy from Survivors and Families
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner informs Grenfell fire survivors that the tower will be dismantled and replaced with a memorial, prompting concerns over lack of consultation.
Angela Rayner, the UK's Deputy Prime Minister, announced on Wednesday that Grenfell Tower in North Kensington will be demolished, with plans for a memorial to be erected on the site.
This decision comes ahead of the eighth anniversary of the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 72 people on June 14, 2017. No demolition work is set to commence prior to that anniversary.
The announcement was made during a meeting with survivors and relatives of those who perished in the fire.
While Rayner indicated a consultation process had taken place, Grenfell United, a group representing bereaved families and survivors, claimed many voices were ignored during this period.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful engagement prior to the demolition decision.
In their statement, Grenfell United stated that Angela Rayner did not provide a rationale for the demolition and did not clarify the extent of consultations held.
Notably, those present at the meeting indicated that the majority, notably bereaved relatives, did not support the decision to demolish the tower.
Emma O'Connor, a survivor of the fire, voiced concerns that demolition would effectively remove the memory of the tragedy, stating that if the building is unsafe, it should be partially deconstructed to create a memorial rather than being entirely razed.
Conversely, Grenfell Next of Kin, a separate organization representing some bereaved families, acknowledged the complexities of the decision while emphasizing the importance of safety.
They stated that the memorialization of the site is vital, but understand that safety considerations must be prioritized.
Local MP Joe Powell expressed that while the decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower is difficult, it has not been made lightly.
He commended Rayner for her engagement with the community in the months leading up to the announcement.
The Grenfell Tower fire, which took place on June 14, 2017, was attributed to various safety failures related to building materials and regulations, leading to extensive inquiries.
An inquiry conducted by Sir Martin Moore-Bick found that the individuals living in the tower were ‘badly failed’ by authorities.
The inquiry noted that all fatalities were deemed avoidable and implicated systemic issues of incompetence and greed within the construction sector.
Investigative bodies indicated that the inquiry into the Grenfell fire will continue until late 2025, with potential legal actions possibly by the end of 2026. Following the incident, plans for a memorial to honor those who lost their lives have been in discussion, which includes dedicating 3,000 square meters of space for remembrance.
Suggestions from community members have included innovative ideas such as transforming the remaining structure into a vertical garden.
Further details regarding the demolition and memorial plans are anticipated to be released in an official announcement expected on Friday.
This decision comes ahead of the eighth anniversary of the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 72 people on June 14, 2017. No demolition work is set to commence prior to that anniversary.
The announcement was made during a meeting with survivors and relatives of those who perished in the fire.
While Rayner indicated a consultation process had taken place, Grenfell United, a group representing bereaved families and survivors, claimed many voices were ignored during this period.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful engagement prior to the demolition decision.
In their statement, Grenfell United stated that Angela Rayner did not provide a rationale for the demolition and did not clarify the extent of consultations held.
Notably, those present at the meeting indicated that the majority, notably bereaved relatives, did not support the decision to demolish the tower.
Emma O'Connor, a survivor of the fire, voiced concerns that demolition would effectively remove the memory of the tragedy, stating that if the building is unsafe, it should be partially deconstructed to create a memorial rather than being entirely razed.
Conversely, Grenfell Next of Kin, a separate organization representing some bereaved families, acknowledged the complexities of the decision while emphasizing the importance of safety.
They stated that the memorialization of the site is vital, but understand that safety considerations must be prioritized.
Local MP Joe Powell expressed that while the decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower is difficult, it has not been made lightly.
He commended Rayner for her engagement with the community in the months leading up to the announcement.
The Grenfell Tower fire, which took place on June 14, 2017, was attributed to various safety failures related to building materials and regulations, leading to extensive inquiries.
An inquiry conducted by Sir Martin Moore-Bick found that the individuals living in the tower were ‘badly failed’ by authorities.
The inquiry noted that all fatalities were deemed avoidable and implicated systemic issues of incompetence and greed within the construction sector.
Investigative bodies indicated that the inquiry into the Grenfell fire will continue until late 2025, with potential legal actions possibly by the end of 2026. Following the incident, plans for a memorial to honor those who lost their lives have been in discussion, which includes dedicating 3,000 square meters of space for remembrance.
Suggestions from community members have included innovative ideas such as transforming the remaining structure into a vertical garden.
Further details regarding the demolition and memorial plans are anticipated to be released in an official announcement expected on Friday.
