The Police Memorial Trust are pleased to reveal the commencement of the refurbishment of the United Kingdom’s National Police Memorial.
Having been designed by the world renowned architect Lord Foster the National Police Memorial was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 26th of April 2005.
It stands on Cambridge Green at the junction of The Mall and Horse Guards Road. The site is in one of central London’s most visited areas. The Memorial was the first to be placed in St. James’s Park for over one hundred years.
Over the years the Memorial has suffered from damage as well as general wear and tear. The time is right for the Trust to undertake a major renovation of the Memorial.
The program of work, in conjunction with Foster + Partners (International Architects) and DBR London Ltd (Specialists Construction Company), got underway yesterday (Thursday 25/10/18) and is expected to last some four months.
As part of the project a brand new feature is to be incorporated into the Memorial. In a unique tribute to any officer who is killed in the future in the course of their hazardous duties a Union Flag will be flown at half mast over the Memorial. It is intended that the flag will then be presented to the officer’s next of kin.
The renovation to the Memorial itself will see crafted silver gilding being added to the police crest and all lettering on the black granite structure.
The refurbishment will also see the installation of bespoke up-lighting of the blue glass column. This will recognise the Blue Lamp that once stood outside police stations telling the public that the police are always ready to serve. The soft dusk to dawn glow will enhance the night time appearance of the Memorial.
The beautiful reflecting water pool feature at the foot of the glass column will also be modernised.
The project will also give an opportunity to carry out general repairs and upgrade the fabric of the structure of the Memorial.
As is well known the Memorial holds the United Kingdom’s Police Roll of Honour. The Roll commemorates over 4000 police officers who have died in the course of their duties.
At this special time of Remembrance The Police Memorial Trust are pleased to be able to confirm to the families, loved ones and colleagues of fallen officers that arrangements have been made to ensure The Roll of Honour will still be available to view 24 hours a day during the refurbishment period. The Trust have also ensured that there is an area available for floral tributes to be laid.
On commencement of the works Geraldine Winner, Chair of the PMT Board of Trustees said:
”I am both thrilled and proud that our refurbishment project has now begun. It is only right that the families, colleagues and public have a truly fitting memorial that they can visit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There they can remember the police officers who have paid the ultimate price on our behalf in the war against all manner of evil and crime.”
Adrian Attwood, Executive Director, DBR said:
”DBR London Limited are delighted and honoured to be working with the Police Memorial Trust and Lord Fosters office in upgrading and restoring the National Police Memorial in memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty”.