The booming sounds of heavy machinery fill the air as demolition of Grenfell Tower continues, but outside the site there is a quiet, contemplative silence. On the hoardings that border the site, a group of people are working on art installations that have long served as a memorial for the 72 people who lost their lives in the fire on 14 June 2017. Lights are being fixed around a green heart – a symbol now synonymous with Grenfell – filled with sunflowers by local children as a tribute. “It represents their voice and how they want their loved ones to be remembered,” said Melanie Juno Wolf, who works in the community supporting those affected. “Each anniversary we light it up, it's here for our local community to come and remember, and for the children to remember.”
Sunday marks the ninth anniversary of the fire, which was exacerbated by flammable cladding and found by a six-year inquiry that concluded in 2024 to have been avoidable. Along the memorial wall, a sign reads “72 lives, crime scene, zero convictions”. The Metropolitan Police said last month that decisions on whether any criminal charges will be brought will be made before the 10th anniversary next summer. Potential offences under consideration include corporate gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, health and safety breaches, and misconduct in public office. Waiting a decade for meaningful progress has contributed to a widespread feeling of disillusionment among bereaved families, campaigners and those living around the tower, according to Wolf.
“Grenfell survivors mark ninth anniversary still waiting for criminal charges as demolition nears completion”
For survivor Antonio Roncolato, 66, the memories remain as vivid as ever. He lived in the tower for 27 years and was among the last residents to escape alive, but he still relives the trauma through horror nightmares. As he walks through North Kensington, he stops at the memorial wall, reflecting on the community torn apart in the early hours of that June morning. Today, bereaved families, survivors and residents will come together for a silent walk through the streets of west London, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead. But this year is different: it marks the final anniversary before the tower block is completely demolished, and the first time they will not be able to visit the tower to pay condolences and lay flowers.