The UK government confirmed on Friday that London’s Grenfell Tower, where 72 people lost their lives in 2017 in Britain’s deadliest residential fire since World War II, will be demolished.
The process, expected to take two years, has sparked anger among some survivors and families of the victims. The 24-storey tower in west London was destroyed in the devastating blaze.
“The tower will be carefully dismantled,” the government stated, affirming what victims’ groups had been informed the previous day.
Demolition will commence after the fire’s eighth anniversary on June 14, with efforts made to preserve materials for a potential future memorial. Safety concerns were cited as the primary reason for the decision.
“The building remains stable due to protective measures, but despite additional supports, its condition will continue to deteriorate,” the statement explained. Engineers also determined that most floors could not be preserved for a lasting memorial.
The fire began due to a faulty freezer but spread rapidly because of highly flammable cladding on the building’s exterior. A public inquiry last year found all 72 deaths were preventable, attributing them to “systematic dishonesty” by construction firms and decades of government and regulatory failures.
Since then, victims’ groups have criticized the government for its slow implementation of fire safety reforms, including the removal of similar cladding from other buildings. Families have also condemned delays in criminal proceedings against those found responsible.
The demolition decision has divided victim groups. Grenfell United, representing some survivors and families, called it “disgraceful,” accusing authorities of sidelining victims during a brief consultation. Conversely, Grenfell Next of Kin described it as a “sensitive decision” made after thorough discussions and based on safety concerns over the building’s deteriorating structure.
The government defended its decision, stating that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who oversees housing, engaged the community through online and in-person discussions.
“It is clear the site remains sacred,” the statement said. “For some, seeing the tower daily offers a connection to lost loved ones, while for others, it is a painful reminder of the tragedy, impacting their well-being.”
