Memorial designers chosen

Designers have been appointed to produce the memorial for the 22 May 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

Manchester Memorial Advisory Group, the independent body of civic and business leaders set up to advise on the decision, have chosen to appoint BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf. Submissions were carefully considered, with the families of the 22 people killed in the attack consulted and their views factored into the decision.

The concept ‘Glade of Light – A Living Memorial’, was the most popular design overall with the families and scored highest in the technical appraisal.

The Glade of Light is a grove of native trees, illuminated at night with a multitude of tiny lights described as being like “a field of stars.” Within the tranquil garden-like space will be other planting and 22 memory pools with the names of those killed in the attack and personalised messages from their friends and families.

The creative brief for the memorial required that it:

–          Recognise those affected and honour those who died

–          Create a place for long-term remembrance for people who pay their respects

–          Celebrate the lives of those who were killed and happy memories of them

–          Be a place of contemplation

–          Educate and enlighten

–          Be able to meet the need for individual solitude

The design team will now begin more detailed design work around the concept, with families continuing to be engaged as it takes further shape. Timescales for its design and creation are to be agreed.

Prof Malcolm Press, chair of the Manchester Memorial Advisory Group and Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We have said throughout that we want to create a fitting and lasting tribute. First and foremost this is about the emotional side of the memorial and ensuring that it fulfils its role as a place of loving remembrance and contemplation. We’ve also had to consider more practical aspects, ensuring it can be properly maintained and will be created to the highest standards.

“We believe of all the tenders, BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf’s was the one which best responded to this brief, while recognising the importance of ongoing engagement with the families.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “No one in Manchester will ever forget the terrible events of 22 May 2017 and nor will we forget those who lost their lives and others who were badly affected.

“This memorial will be a permanent symbol of remembrance, a tribute to those killed that night and a place to come together in solidarity and reflection. We will be sharing full details as soon as they are finalised next year.”

Andy Thomson, Director of BCA Landscape, said: “It is both a great honour and a great responsibility to win the tender to design this memorial. We are determined to do our utmost to design a memorial which is a place of tribute, comfort, tranquility and reflection and do the families of those who lost loved ones and everyone else affected by the attack proud.”

The memorial will be located on a site between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music, at the foot of Fennel Street bounded by the River Irwell and Cathedral – a light and open space close to existing trees.

Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, which the memorial will stand within, is currently undergoing wider regeneration which will see a new public area created along the River Irwell, extending the space at Cathedral Gardens and creating a green and calm backdrop to the planned memorial.