Grenfell’s demolition: loss, memory, and a determination that it must never happen again
By Eleanor Jolliffe2025-02-18T05:00:00
Eleanor Jolliffe reflects on the planned demolition of Grenfell Tower and the tensions between safety, remembrance, and accountability
Grenfell Tower is set to be demolished over the next two years, to the concern of some survivors and relatives of the victims of the disaster. They worry that without the visible reminder of the tragedy, it will be ‘out of sight, out of mind’. The demolition of the tower has largely been explained by safety concerns, as the damaged structure is continuing to deteriorate and becoming unsafe.
This all seems very sensible, but I can understand the feelings of those whose lives have been impacted by the fire. For them, the stark reminder on the London skyline must seem necessary – a towering, plastic-swathed and deeply uncomfortable symbol to the construction industry and to the government of the greed and incompetence, even if unintentional, that led to their loss. I would want it to stay there too.
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