The Glade of Light memorial to those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena terror attack has been completed and opened to the public for the first time.

The site was constructed by Galliford Try’s Highways business as part of its role in the wider Medieval Quarter regeneration.

The centrepiece of The Glade of Light is a white marble ‘halo’ bearing the names of the 22 people who died. The memorial features a peaceful garden space, including a hawthorn tree at its centre, as well as a seating area in the outer circle to allow people to stop for reflection.

Families of those who lost loved ones have been able to place personalised memory capsules, containing mementos and messages, which are embedded inside the halo. They have been given the opportunity to visit privately before the memorial opened. An official opening of the memorial will take place later this year, in time for the fifth anniversary of the attack.

David Lowery, Managing Director of Galliford Try Highways, commented: “It has a been a huge honour and responsibility for both the team involved and the wider Galliford Try business to be entrusted with such a meaningful project. We hope that this new space can be a place where everyone can quietly reflect and remember the lives of those who were lost.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We will never forget those whose lives were lost on 22 May 2017. They already had a permanent place in the hearts of Manchester people. Now they have a lasting memorial in the heart of our city. 

“The Glade of Light is a beautiful tribute to them and somewhere which will also have profound meaning for everyone affected by the attack. We hope the memorial site will be a place of peace and comfort, standing as a reminder that love is stronger than hate.”