LONDON, UK — The UK government has confirmed that Grenfell Tower will be dismantled, nearly eight years after the devastating fire that killed 72 people in one of the worst residential disasters in modern British history.
The process, expected to take two years, will be carried out “sensitively”, with no changes made to the site before the eighth anniversary of the tragedy in June, the government announced on Friday.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from survivors, bereaved families, and local residents.
While some believe the tower should remain as a lasting reminder of the tragedy, others argue that its presence is a constant source of trauma for those affected.
Why Is Grenfell Tower Being Taken Down?
The government said it was acting on engineering advice that the 24-storey tower is structurally significantly damaged and could become increasingly unstable over time.
According to a 2020 report, fire damage to the upper floors has been worsened by exposure to weather, and the building currently remains standing only because of additional protective measures.
“It is not practicable to retain many of the floors of the building in place as part of a permanent memorial,” the government stated, citing safety concerns.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner concluded that it “would not be fair” to keep parts of the building standing while dismantling others, saying such an approach would be “deeply upsetting” for survivors.
A Divisive Decision
The plan to dismantle the tower has divided opinions among those directly affected by the tragedy.
A spokesperson for Grenfell United, which represents some bereaved families and survivors, condemned the government’s decision as “disgraceful and unforgivable”, saying it ignored the wishes of those most impacted.
Others, including some former residents, have argued that the tower should remain standing until those responsible for the fire are prosecuted.
No criminal charges are expected to be announced before late 2026, according to the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Emma O’Connor, who escaped from the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower, said survivors had not been properly consulted about the government’s plan.
She has since launched a petition calling for a public vote among survivors, bereaved families, and local residents to determine the tower’s fate.
Police man a security cordon as a huge fire engulfs the Grenfell Tower in west London, June 14, 2017. | Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images
A Need for Closure?
Despite opposition from some, other residents have welcomed the decision.
Mushtaq Lasharie, head of a local residents’ association, told the BBC that he and “the overwhelming majority” of locals supported removing the tower.
“People have been waiting for closure for over seven years,” he said. Another resident described the tower as “haunting us every day.”
Emma Dent Coad, who was the Labour MP for Kensington at the time of the fire, also supported the move, saying, “I see it every day, and it hurts me every single day.”
Next Steps and Memorial Plans
The government has promised that the deconstruction process will be “careful and sensitive”, taking place behind the wrapping that currently covers the tower.
A specialist contractor will be selected in the coming months to develop a detailed plan for the work.
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been working with survivors, bereaved families, and residents to develop a permanent memorial at the site.
Five design teams have been shortlisted to create the memorial, with the winning proposal expected to submit a planning application by late 2026.
While Grenfell Tower’s physical presence may soon disappear from London’s skyline, its legacy remains, as survivors and campaigners continue to seek justice, accountability, and remembrance.
