What could replace Grenfell Tower if it is demolished?

Grenfell Tower is set to be demolished eight years after the tragedy left 72 people dead – but what will be built in its place?

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told survivors and victims’ relatives on Wednesday, prompting dismay from campaigners who branded the decision ‘disgraceful and unforgivable’.

Grenfell United, which represents those affected by the June 2017 disaster, said Ms Rayner was ‘ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved one’s gravesite.’

It is believed the tower block could be replaced with a permanent memorial, in a plan which has been in the works for years.

The government has previously pledged not to begin work on the site before the eight anniversary of the fire in June.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has outlined plans for the site to become a ‘sacred space’, designed to be a ‘peaceful place for remembering and reflecting’.

The team of experts, community representatives and lawyers are searching for a specialist team to design the memorial.

While a design for the memorial has not been decided, the commission outlined various community suggestions for the permanent commemorations in 2022.

These included preserving the tower as a “vertical garden” with a high level platform and hanging plants.

Others have also proposed it could become a park or a garden space.

A memorial garden for the community has already been unveiled in the shadow of the charred tower block, in the garden at St Clement’s Church.

Other suggestions to replace the tower block have included a museum, as well as a brand new structure which would reach the same height as Grenfell.

The disaster triggered a national scandal over building safety and material standards.

It emerged the building was covered in combustible material which allowed fire to rapidly rip through the 24-storey block in North Kensington.

Michael Gove, Ms Rayner’s predecessor, ditched his plans to demolish the tower block after an outcry from campaigners after safety concerns around the structure.

Now, a formal announcement by the government is expected to be made on Friday that the tower will be deconstructed.

A Government 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.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.