Elsewhere, it says a physical and digital archive will be created as well as a long-term public exhibition, in a separate location, to teach about the tragedy, in which 72 people died.
The commission notes that the memorial – close to the tower – would be a place for those ‘who had their lives changed forever by events on that night’ to mourn and reflect. It would also stand as a ‘testament to the consequences of the past neglect of the views and welfare of the Grenfell community.’
The commission is chaired by former Labour minister Paul Boateng and solicitor Thelma Stober. It was established in 2020 following discussions dating back to 2018.
The commission’s report says: ‘We know this is a hugely difficult area with many different views within the Grenfell community. In the coming months, we will all need to work through how we can respect the sensitivities on all sides.
‘We anticipate doing this next spring, and that the team will be selected in late 2024. We envisage the memorial design will have been developed with the community by late 2025, and that the memorial build could begin from late 2026.’
No official decision on its future has yet been made, partly due to views from some that it should remain in place as a memorial itself.
It calls for the site’s day-to-day management to be carried out by an arm’s length body such as the Royal Parks rather than local or central government.
A new report from the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, a group including the bereaved, former residents of the tower and current nearby residents, has revealed that a permanent space of remembrance of the 2017 tragedy may not be completed until 2027.
‘This may be the commission’s second report but it is not the end of the work. What comes next will be the process of working together to choose who will craft and shape the ideas we have heard into a lasting place of remembrance for those no longer with us.’
‘This site must be agreed with bereaved family members and survivors, and in consultation with local faith leaders. We ask the government to work with the mayor of London and local faith leaders to identify such a site.’
The exact shape of the memorial has not yet been decided but the commission says it should include a garden and artwork that evokes ‘community, love, hope, sadness and those who were taken from us’, as well as a way to reflect the children lost in the tragedy.
‘The design process … will make sure the Grenfell community can better understand what is viable, what is possible and then, most importantly, agree together what is and is not acceptable.’
It is expected that police action may follow publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry which is due to be published next year.