Arena memorial consultation closes

1 July 2020 08:37 Neil Tague Comments (0)

Manchester City Council has concluded a consultation to update plans for its Medieval Quarter, introducing a “Glade of Light” sculpture to serve as a permanent memorial to the 22 victims of the May 2017 terrorist attack.

The memorial is to be located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music, at the foot of Fennel Street, where it meets Victoria Street.

It will feature a white stone ring “halo” featuring the names of those who lost their lives set in bronze, with personalised memory capsules containing memories and mementos to be provided by their loved ones held within the stone. The Glade of Light will also feature a planting scheme planned to ensure year-round colour.

Architects BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf were appointed on the project in 2019, in consultation with the families of those killed. The families have also been consulted as designs developed.

Ahead of the Medieval Quarter consultation, which launched in May, council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “We have consulted, and continue to consult, with those who lost loved ones on the location and form of the memorial.

“Their input remains crucial, but we also welcome the views of others as part of wider engagement around the Medieval Quarter plans.”

Professor Malcolm Press, chair of the Manchester Memorials Advisory Group, said: “We are determined to ensure a fitting and lasting memorial. Getting to this point has taken great care and consideration.”

The Medieval Quarter is the part of the city centred around Chetham’s, the cathedral and the River Irwell frontage. With a masterplan initially undertaken in 2016, planning consent is already in place for improved pedestrian linkages, greening and street furniture as the city looks to make more of the area’s cultural and historic significance.