Government outlines "trauma-aware" deconstruction plan for Grenfell Tower

The UK government has published an update on its plan for the deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, detailing how it will be dismantled floor by floor, eight years after the deadly fire.

In the report, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) outlines how contractor Deconstruct will carry out work behind the 24-storey tower's white protective wrapping.

The tower will be taken down floor by floor, starting from the top. Each level is expected to take one month to dismantle.

MHCLG's decision to "carefully take down" the structure, which prompted concerns that the government "ignored the voices" of the bereaved, was made in February.

Plan "respects the significance of the building"

"We recognise that Grenfell Tower has a deep personal significance to those most affected by the tragedy and the land is sacred to families," MHCLG said in its update.

"The government is committed to ensuring that all work at the Grenfell Tower site is carried out to the highest standards," it continued.

"We will continue to ensure all work at the site respects the significance of the building, is considerate, trauma-aware and minimises disruption for those living, studying and working nearby."

Today, all that remains of Grenfell Tower is its 67-metre-high shell that stood after the deadly fire in June 2017, which was caused by a malfunctioning fridge-freezer. The fire rapidly spread across the block via its flammable exterior cladding, claiming the lives of 72 people.

It currently stands wrapped in a white covering emblazoned with a large green heart, which is widely used as a symbol to honour those affected by the tragedy.

According to MHCLG, the existing scaffolding around Grenfell Tower will be modified for the demolition. However, works will be carried out behind an outer layer, with the green heart banner remaining and being moved down with each stage.

A crane will be positioned on the east side of the tower, allowing materials to be moved into unmarked lorries before being "carefully covered" and taken away.

Recognising that "the tower's place in the skyline is important", MHCLG said it is exploring ways to use illuminations to mark its position.

"We know that the tower's place in the skyline is important," the department said.

"We will use illumination to create a visible presence on the skyline. We are exploring different ways to illuminate the tower. We will share images of options in community meetings."

Building elements will be "respectfully laid to rest"

MHCLG has added that it will be making elements of the tower available for use, if desired, in the planned memorial site in North Kensington.

It is also working with bereaved families and survivors on plans for a site separate from the memorial where "materials from the tower will be respectfully laid to rest".

"We are currently talking to bereaved families and survivors about the second site, separate to the memorial site in North Kensington, where we propose materials from the tower will be respectfully laid to rest," it said.

"This will be an appropriate, accessible, sacred place that families will be able to visit, in line with the recommendation made by the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission," it continued. "We are speaking to faith leaders to advise us on considerations for the preparation of the land, laying the materials to rest and long-term care."

Earlier this year, a spokesperson for Grenfell United – a group representing some of the bereaved families and survivors – said voices had been ignored when making the decision to demolish the tower.

"Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones' gravesite is disgraceful and unforgivable," they said at the time.

A public inquiry into the fire, which concluded in September 2024, found that the disaster was the result of multiple failures by the government and the construction industry.

Shortly after Rayner's announcement in February, the UK government revealed debarment investigations for the architecture and construction firms related to the deadly fire.

In its response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry report, the government set out reforms to construction, building and fire safety that will start being implemented in 2028.

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