Search begins for Grenfell tower memorial design team Source:&nbsp Image by Zute Lightfoot, ACAVA ShootsThe government is reported to be planning to dismantle the remains of the Grenfell Tower a move strongly criticised by some of the bereaved families and survivors According to the BBC, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner informed survivors and the bereaved in a meeting yesterday (5 February) that the 24-storey block in west London would be taken down rather than kept as a permanent reminder of the 2017 fire which killed 72 people.The government had previously been told the building could be unsafe due to the extent of the fire damage.It is that understood work to dismantle the building could start in June shortly after the eighth anniversary of the fire and be completed by 2027. An official announcement is expected tomorrow (7 February).AdvertisementBut Rayner's decision and the processes leading to it have been criticised by campaign group Grenfell United, which represents some of the bereaved families and survivors.In a statement released last night, a spokesperson for the group said: Angela Rayner could not give a reason for her decision to demolish the tower. She refused to confirm how many bereaved and survivors had been spoken to in the recent, short four-week consultation.But judging from the room alone the vast majority of whom were bereaved no one supported her decision.The statement concludes: Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones gravesite is disgraceful and unforgivable.What should be done about the tower block, which is covered in a protective cover, continues to divide opinion.AdvertisementIn 2021, survivors and relatives of those who died in the fire accused the government of trying to demolish the tower blocks remains without consulting them. Three years later, frustrated at the lack of progress, survivors and representatives of family members of victims criticised the years-long wait for a resolution, with the tower remaining under wrapping.The 340 million cost of maintaining the structure and delivering a memorial, as revealed in a government report published in 2022, was also slammed.A year later the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission set out a series of recommendations for a sacred space, designed to be a peaceful place for remembering and reflecting. The commission said that views on using parts of the tower itself in any lasting memorial were mixed, with some people saying it should be used, while others do not agree.A MHCLG spokesperson said: The priority for the deputy prime minister is to meet with and write to the bereaved, survivors and the immediate community to let them know her decision on the future of the Grenfell Tower.This is a deeply personal matter for all those affected, and the deputy prime minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this.Last year RIBA Competitions launched a two-stage competition on behalf of the commission to select a team to work with the Grenfell community to design a bold, fitting and lasting memorial.A five-strong shortlist, announced last month, comprises emerging talent Freehaus, Paris and Brussels-based New South, Office Sian, George King Architects and Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture.The five were chosen from 28 multidisciplinary design entrants. A final team is expected to be announced this summer, ahead of a planning application in late 2026.The shortlisted teams will face a second round of evaluation, which will include meeting the bereaved families, survivors and the community around Grenfell Tower.According to the competitions backers, significant due diligence checks were carried out on all the shortlisted practices to make sure that any team, organisation or individual potentially working on the memorial did not bear any potential responsibility for the tragedy.Over the next six months, the teams will be asked to show their relevant professional and specialist expertise, including architecture, landscape architecture and structural and mechanical engineering.The organisers said the designers must also present their strong experience of working collaboratively with communities.Each of the shortlisted teams is expected to receive a 20,000 honorarium to participate in the competitions second round.2025-02-06Richard Waitecomment and share