The statement clarifies the position regarding the retention of elements of the Tower for potential use in the planned memorial
Issued on 10 March by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), the statement responds to recent reports in the press that “a request was made to the department to retain certain elements of the Tower, from above floor 9, for possible incorporation into the memorial.”
As reported by Channel 4 News, a legal challenge to the demolition of the Tower has been launched by a number of the bereaved families. The challenge is being brought on the basis that the families feel items of emotional significance are being destroyed, despite the government saying this would not happen.
The MHCLG statement goes on to say that whilst they “did not make the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission aware of that request”, the principal contractor, DeconstructUK, has now been instructed to “take steps to carefully remove and preserve the requested elements, where possible.”
The memorial is being designed by architects Freehaus, in conjunction with the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community. However, the statement explains that, “No decisions have been taken as to what will happen to the requested elements, including whether they will be incorporated into the memorial. We understand that families hold a range of views on that issue, and further consultation and engagement will be required.”
“We recognise that Grenfell Tower has a deep personal significance to those most affected by the tragedy, and that the land is sacred to families.”
The decision to demolish the site was taken in February 2025 over safety concerns, with specialist contractors appointed in August 2025, who began work in September 2025 to take down the tower “sensitively and respectfully”.
You can read the full statement from the MHCLG here.