Photo credit: www.bbc.com
The Grenfell Tower, which became a symbol of tragedy after the catastrophic fire in June 2017, will be demolished, according to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This decision was shared during a meeting with survivors and family members of the victims, as reported by the BBC.
The fire claimed the lives of 72 individuals, igniting discussions on the future of the 24-story structure in west London. While some advocated for its preservation as a memorial to the disaster, others sought its replacement with a proper tribute to honor the victims’ memory.
A formal statement from the government regarding this decision is anticipated to be released on Friday. Kimia Zabihyan, a representative of the group Grenfell Next of Kin, attended the meeting with Rayner and conveyed that the tower will be taken down to ground level. She characterized the atmosphere of the meeting as “charged” but noted that Rayner approached the issue with sincere intentions.
“The deputy prime minister was very clear that she has taken this decision very seriously, recognizing the weight of her responsibilities. She deemed it necessary, taking into account engineers’ recommendations,” said Zabihyan, reflecting on Rayner’s commitment to the decision.
Concerns had previously been raised about the safety of the building due to severe fire damage, reinforcing the need for such a decision.
‘Deeply personal matter’
Though Zabihyan expressed agreement with the decision, she stated that many attendees were visibly upset. In a poignant moment during the meeting, one individual shared their grief, articulating the deep connection they felt to the building as a place that held the remains of their loved one.
A spokesperson for Grenfell United, which also represents bereaved families, asserted that there was widespread discontent with Rayner’s decision, stating that many had felt marginalized in the process. “No one supported her decision, and it was clear that concerns raised by bereaved families were overlooked,” the spokesperson said.
Following the meeting, a government spokesperson emphasized that Rayner intends to communicate her decision to the bereaved and the local community, highlighting the deeply personal nature of this matter and her commitment to consider their voices in future developments.
The tragic fire on June 14, 2017, was triggered by a faulty refrigerator in a fourth-floor apartment, with flames rapidly spreading due to the building’s highly flammable cladding. A public inquiry, concluded in September, identified multiple governmental shortcomings and failures within the construction sector to address the hazards associated with such materials.
Inquiry chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick described the use of combustible cladding as stemming from “systematic dishonesty” in the manufacturing and selling processes. In light of the inquiry’s findings, many bereaved families have called for legal actions against those held responsible. However, authorities have indicated that no potential charges would be considered until late 2026.
In 2023, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission proposed recommendations for creating a “sacred space” for remembrance, emphasizing the need for a garden, monument, and areas dedicated to private mourning for families. Recently, five design teams were shortlisted for this memorial, with a winning design expected to be chosen this summer.
Source
www.bbc.com