The UK government has launched an open competition to design the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II.
Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022 aged 96 and was the longest-serving monarch in British history. Today, the UK has opened a competition to design the national memorial for the late queen.
Artists, architects, and engineers have been asked to submit details of their teams and their requisite experience by 20 January 2025. No design is required yet, just an expression of interest and proof of the group’s competency.
The memorial will be located in St James’s Park, the UK’s oldest Royal Park, and close to Buckingham Palace.
In the search announcement, the government says it is looking for a “a design that is beautiful, inclusive and sustainable.”
The memorial will incorporate a new bridge over the lake and a standalone monument with a figurative representation of Elizabeth II at the Marlborough Gate entrance.
“This National Memorial will provide a permanent tribute to The Late Queen’s legacy, offering space for reflection as well as celebration. We want the very best architects and designers to come forward with their ideas for how this historic project should look,” said Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden.
A provisional budget of between £23-46 million (€28-56 million) – not including tax – has been allocated to the project. Submissions will be judged on a “value for money criteria.”
After the first stage of the competition is completed, five shortlist teams will be asked to submit designs. Each design will be awarded £50,000 (€60,000).
Other requirements of the winning design will be to show awareness of the park’s biodiversity and minimise the likelihood of vandalism.
When complete, the new memorial will be opened in 2026, in time Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. The plan has been approved by both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III.
“We want to attract the finest teams of architects, artists, landscape architects, engineers and other specialists to work with us to create an outstanding design for the memorial site. We are looking for teams who thoroughly understand and connect with our ambitions for the project,” said committee Chair Lord Janvrin.
Janvrin continued: “The challenge at the second stage for the finalists will be to evoke memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s outstanding contribution to national life and to tell the story of Her Majesty’s long reign through an original masterplan that is sensitive to the unique setting.”
“The memorial must be – simply – a beautiful place, somewhere to visit with family and friends, to enjoy and to reflect on an extraordinary life,” he said.
