Grenfell Tower to be lit up each night as 'visible reminder'

Grenfell Tower to be lit up each night as 'visible reminder'

The dismantling of Grenfell Tower will be accompanied by a nightly display of lights, intended to serve as a poignant reminder of the tragic fire that took place at the building. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that beams of light would shine upwards from each corner of the tower, while 72 green lights will be illuminated on the fire’s anniversary dates. The light installation is scheduled to be tested on Saturday and fully activated starting Sunday.

This tragedy claimed the lives of 72 people on 14 June 2017. According to government plans, the lights will be turned on no earlier than 5 p.m. and switched off by 11 p.m. every day. Special displays of 72 green beams will mark both the upcoming Sunday and the anniversary next year. MHCLG emphasized the importance of having a visible reminder of the tower as it undergoes careful deconstruction, highlighting the need for the community to remain aware of the site’s significance throughout the process.

However, not everyone has welcomed the initiative. Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing families directly affected by the disaster, has criticized the lighting plan as a superficial public relations move. They argued that “eight-and-a-half years on,” the response from MHCLG and the Memorial Commission consists of “Instagram virtue-signalling, empty gestures, and PR stunts,” which they feel ignore the voices and demands of those who lost loved ones. The group expressed frustration that decisions are made discreetly, resources squandered, and their needs systematically overlooked.

On the other hand, Grenfell United, which represents survivors and bereaved families, supports the lighting scheme, stating that it is vital to prevent the memory of Grenfell from fading before criminal proceedings conclude. Meanwhile, local residents have raised concerns about being excluded from consultation processes. MHCLG responded by affirming the importance of a fitting memorial visible on the skyline and confirmed they had engaged with nearby residents through various outreach efforts. The council of Kensington and Chelsea clarified it is not involved in managing the tower. The government has stated that the demolition, expected to take around two years, will be conducted with sensitivity and minimal disruption. The building currently remains draped in a banner emblazoned with a green heart and the phrase “forever in our hearts,” which will be gradually lowered as dismantling progresses. Additionally, plans for a permanent memorial are in development

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