Design chosen for memorial to those killed in Manchester Arena attack

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

BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf have been chosen by the Manchester Memorial Advisory Group after their design was the most popular with the families of the 22 people killed.

The memorial will be built on a site between Manchester Cathedral and Cheetham's School of Music.

It will be called 'The Glade of Light' and will feature a grove of native trees, illuminated at night with a multitude of tiny lights, according to Manchester City Council.

The Council say there will also be 22 memory pools with the names of those killed in the attack, with personalised messages from friends and family.

No designs of the memorial have been released to the public yet.

Tributes left in St Anne's Square after the attack in 2017. Credit: PA

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

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."

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, tranquillity and reflection and do the families of those who lost loved ones and everyone else affected by the attack proud."