On Friday, the UK government revealed its decision to deconstruct Grenfell Tower in London, nearly eight years after the catastrophic fire claimed the lives of 72 people. This announcement followed significant speculation and met with discontent from survivors and victims’ families. The government cited safety concerns regarding the structurally compromised building, asserting that removing the tower would aid community healing by eliminating a constant reminder of the tragedy.
Residents have long expressed frustration with safety warnings ignored by authorities, leading to inquiries that deemed the building a “death trap” due to flammable cladding and lax regulations. While some survivor groups expressed understanding of the decision rooted in safety, others decried the lack of consultation, calling it a “disgrace.”
The dismantling process is set to commence after the eighth anniversary of the fire in June 2024, taking around two years. Materials from the dismantling will contribute to a proposed memorial that is to be designed by an independent commission. The government aims to ensure that the memorial is equitable for all bereaved families, noting that retaining parts of the building for memorial purposes would not be feasible or fair given the diverse perspectives of those affected.