In a significant development regarding one of the most devastating tragedies in modern British history, the UK government has announced plans to demolish Grenfell Tower, the site of a catastrophic fire that claimed 72 lives seven years ago. The announcement came from British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner during a meeting with families and survivors on Wednesday.
The fire broke out on June 14, 2017, following an electrical fault in a refrigerator on the fourth floor. It rapidly spread through the building due to its highly flammable cladding, engulfing all 23 stories and leading to an immense loss of life.
Grenfell Next of Kin (GNK), a group representing relatives of nearly half of the victims, revealed that the demolition will commence after the eighth anniversary of the tragedy this June. They expressed a deep sense of loss but acknowledged the structural realities, stating, “Do we wish the whole tower could stand forever? Yes. Is that an option? Not from a structural point of view.”
Engineers advising the government have warned that the tower’s condition will deteriorate further over time, necessitating a careful dismantling of the building. This decision follows a scathing public inquiry last year that criticized the failures of successive governments, the construction industry, and particularly the firms responsible for the installation of the flammable cladding.
The inquiry’s report highlighted that the local fire authorities were ill-prepared for a high-rise fire, labeling the tragedy as “the culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility.”
In response to the demolition announcement, Grenfell United, another group representing those affected, voiced their concern, stating, “Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones’ grave site is disgraceful and unforgivable.”
Residents of the Lancaster West estate, where the tower is located, have also expressed a desire for a permanent memorial on the site. One group member noted, “Some sort of infrastructure from the building must stay… as a reminder to future generations.”
Kensington MP Joe Powell, whose constituency includes Grenfell Tower, emphasized that the decision to demolish the structure was not made lightly. “Grenfell Tower will always be in our hearts as a community,” he affirmed.
A commission tasked with planning a future memorial at the site reported in 2023 that any dismantling should be carried out “with care and respect.” A final design for the memorial is expected by spring 2026, with construction potentially beginning later that year, ensuring that the memory of those lost in the tragedy remains honored and visible for generations to come.
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