Wrapped in white, the Grenfell Tower is taller, crowned with a giant green heart. The harsh symbols of tragedy that we once imagined were exposed by public investigations as avoidable.
The announcement to those who physically live in its shadow that it will be demolished to the ground level is filled with raw emotion. And just as the responses from the bereaved families and survivors mixed in, so did the views of local residents the Guardian met.
Some thought it should remain as a reminder of systemic failure, justice that has not yet been inhabited, and anger of miserable grief. Others believed in a more peaceful monument to the 72 dead, and believed that more severely wounded would be beneficial.
“I'm in tears a little,” said one woman, the mother of two, who is the mother of the news. “I'm really incredibly shocked. I don't understand why they want to erase it.”
One of her friends survived the horror of June 14, 2017. “He didn't want to see it anymore. Some people don't think it's because it's too traumatic. ”
“But I hope it's still here. I grew up here. I want it for memory. It's not an eyelash. I see it every day. What happened It's a symbol of that.”
On fire night, the 31-year-old ran to the 24-storey block after being warned by a tormented friend whose sister lives in Grenfell and who had not gone out on her phone. Thankfully, she was a survivor. “I saw her being carried over a firefighter's shoulder,” she said.
For her, today's tower is “100% symbol of justice, a symbol of justice that she has yet to possess.” Until that day, it should remain. “In the end, it's forgotten. But people are still sad. That's too early.”
Tracy, who has three adult children, was one of those who thought she was now. “I walk to mom and I see it. I walk to church and see it,” she said.
“I know who died there, but there are still nightmares. But I think it should be the place to rest now, for those whose spirits and souls are still trapped there. As it stands, I can't say goodbye to them because I watch it every day. It's a reminder of what happened.”
Her nephew was supposed to stay with a family friend at the tower that night, but instead went to her grandmother. “It hurts us. We will never forget, but to give them a lasting, peaceful place to rest. Instead, there may be a nice garden where people can go.” She suggested.
Maria, 71, agreed. “I open the window every day and see it. Every day I see the tower. And it reminds me of the day. We can't move on. We relive it. It depresses me “”
After demolishing the tower, she said, “It's the right thing.” “Of course, we feel all those who have lost loved ones and those who have survived. But what happened happened happened.”
A committee investigating the site's future monuments said if the tower goes down, it should be “destructed with caution and respect.” The final design of the monument is expected by spring 2026, and construction could begin that year. A list of five potential design teams was announced last month, with the award-winning design teams expected to be selected this summer.
Moss, 37, is a tech worker born and raised nearby, saying, “My brother-in-law lost his aunt and uncle. I think it really depends on what they replace it. And it's It must be determined by the families and loved ones of the dead. It makes that the decision of the people.
“I see it every day. It's become a thing in itself. It's definitely a beacon for justice. In general, I think there are mixed feelings about it, but we're not the first one. You have to go to.
Elina, 41, the mother of a young baby, said the decision was “heartbreaking” and difficult. “This is a reminder,” she said. “Maybe it's not everything, it should come down a bit, but just keep some of the structure there, and I like the idea of turning it into a living garden.
“I think it's too heartbreaking to wipe it completely from the earth. It's as if those people didn't exist. So, to completely wipe it out, it's too tough “
