Work to dismantle Grenfell Tower set to begin

The dismantling of Grenfell Tower, the site of a devastating fire in 2017 that resulted in 72 deaths, is scheduled to start this week and will span two years. The government pledged to conduct the work with care to minimize noise and disruption for local residents. Deconstruct UK will handle the removal process, beginning with a plant room at the tower's summit. Mixed reactions have surfaced among survivors and bereaved families, with some feeling their voices were not adequately considered before the decision was made. The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission is working on plans for a permanent memorial, which may include a "sacred space" for reflection and remembrance.

A planning application for this memorial is expected to be submitted by late 2026. The government has acknowledged that the building's condition has deteriorated significantly since the tragedy, necessitating its removal. Officials aim to ensure that the community's perspectives remain central to the ongoing discussions about remembrance and safety improvements.