Work to Design 22 May Memorial Starts

17 May 2019, 08:00 | Updated: 17 May 2019, 08:02

The search for designers to create a permanent memorial to the Manchester arena attack is starting.

It'll be created at a site close to the River Irwell and the city's Cathedral.

The process is asking for suitably qualified design and creative teams to set out how they'd approach creating the memorial to honour not only the 22 people killed in the attack but also those who were injured or affected.

Conversations have already taken place with bereaved familie about what they'd like the memorial to be like as well as the views of the injured nd general public.

It's lead to a series of principles for the creative brief which says it must:

- Recognise those affected and honour those who died

- Create a place for long-term remembrance for people to 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

Malcolm Press, chair of the Manchester Memorial Advisory Group, said: "The views of the families who have lost loved ones have been, and will continue to be, right at the heart of our work.

"Getting to this point has involved a careful process which we have sought to make as thorough and inclusive as possible to ensure an appropriate and enduring memorial. This is an important milestone on that journey."

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This memorial will be dedicated to those who lost their lives, a place where families can remember their loved ones and others can pay their respects. Manchester will never forget.

"It will also be a memorial to all those affected by the attack and a reminder of the unified community spirit, the triumph of love over hatred, which characterised the city's response to the terrible events of 22 May 2017.

"We look forward to hearing the ideas of designers and will continue to consult with the bereaved families as plans progress."

Potential design teams will first have to set out their credentials and how they intend to approach the brief. Shortlisted candidates will then be asked to produce outline designs, with the successful one being selected to develop a detailed final design later this summer.