UK government outlines approach to Grenfell Tower deconstruction

How Grenfell Tower will be taken down

The UK government has announced that the step-by-step removal of Grenfell Tower will begin from the top of the building, carried out in a way described as sensitive and trauma-informed.

According to HM Government, each floor of the tower is expected to take approximately one month to remove, with the process involving both internal dismantling and external crane operations.

Large sections such as external columns will be removed in covered containers by crane, while smaller components will be taken down from inside the building.

The entire deconstruction will be conducted behind the white external wrapping that currently encloses the structure.

Officials said the decision to proceed with the removal follows long-term engagement with bereaved families, survivors, and the local community, and is being managed to minimise disruption to those living or working nearby.

Preparatory work and site changes during summer 2025

Preparations for the removal of Grenfell Tower include structural modifications and the installation of heavy machinery.

HM Government confirmed that a crane will be installed on the east side of the tower to assist with the removal of materials, which will be loaded into covered lorries and transported away from the site.

Scaffolding will be altered to accommodate the deconstruction process, including the addition of a second scaffold platform.

Work is also underway to install framing for a second banner bearing the green heart design.

Officials stated that both banners will be visible for a short period while the top banner is moved progressively down the building in line with the work.

Illumination options are being explored to maintain the tower’s visibility on the skyline during and after the works.

Storage, removal and memorial of tower materials

All materials removed from the building will be handled with care and discretion, with the aim of preserving their significance for the bereaved and survivor community.

The UK government said it will offer selected elements of the building for potential inclusion in a future memorial, working with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and local stakeholders.

These preserved components will include the architectural crown and other elements agreed upon by the community.

Everything removed from the site will be transported using unmarked and covered lorries, according to the update.

HM Government said it is consulting with families and faith leaders about a separate second site in North Kensington, where the remaining materials may be laid to rest.

Health, safety and regulation of the site

The government said the deconstruction will follow safety protocols intended to reduce noise and disruption.

The process is subject to oversight from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which maintains enforcement authority and has carried out site visits since 2017.

HSE’s role includes inspections under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, with the power to issue improvement or prohibition notices.

HM Government said it will continue to monitor the structure using a 24/7 system and floor-by-floor inspections by structural engineers.

It is also working with local partners and the UK Health Security Agency to support public health measures.

Contractor appointment and community access

Deconstruct UK (DUK) has been appointed as the principal contractor responsible for the deconstruction.

HM Government stated that DUK has maintained and monitored the Grenfell Tower site since 2017 and holds certifications from the British Standards Institute and other safety schemes.

The decision to assign the project to DUK was based on its familiarity with the site and its ongoing relationship with the local community, according to the government.

Bereaved families and residents are being invited to regular meetings with officials and DUK representatives to discuss project timelines and ask questions.

The government said the public can contact the site management team directly to arrange individual or group discussions.

UK government outlines approach to Grenfell Tower deconstruction: Summary

The UK government has confirmed that Grenfell Tower will be taken down floor by floor.

Each floor will take around one month to remove.

All work will be done behind the existing white external wrapping.

Smaller parts of the structure will be dismantled internally.

Larger structural components will be removed by crane.

A crane will be installed on the east side of the site.

Scaffolding will be adjusted to support the removal process.

Two banners bearing the green heart design will be displayed temporarily.

Removed materials will be covered and taken away in unmarked lorries.

Selected elements will be preserved for inclusion in a future memorial.

The government is consulting on a separate site for laying materials to rest.

The Health and Safety Executive will monitor and regulate the works.

Deconstruct UK will carry out the removal.

The contractor has worked on the Grenfell site since 2017.

Meetings are being held with families and residents for updates and questions.

Health and wellbeing services remain available to the community.