Queen Elizabeth II memorial in central London set to cost up to £46m

A national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II has a construction budget of up to £46million.

Leading artists, architects and engineers are being asked to compete to design the project’s masterplan – with entries closing on January 20.

The tribute will be in St James’s Park, close to Buckingham Palace, and public funds will be used to pay for the tribute. 

Lord Janvrin, heading the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: ‘It must be a beautiful place to reflect on an extraordinary life.’

The site has been chosen following public consultation because it is close to her former residence Buckingham Palace and, touchingly, the statues of her parents.

The memorial committee said it hopes to provide a 'fitting monument' as well as a space for 'contemplation and community'.

It ambitiously adds that it will be of an 'appropriate scale and ambition to match the impact of Queen Elizabeth II on national life, The Commonwealth and indeed the rest of the world'.

The exact footprint of the site has not been decided because it will, in part, depend on the size of the finished design. 

However it will include the area of St James's Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and land surrounding the pathway down to the lake. 

The committee, which was established by the Government and Royal Household last year, considered various options for the location. It also engaged with experts and members of the public across all four UK nations.

The next step – the design phase – will be launched later this year when architects, artists and designers will be invited to submit proposals for the memorial.

While there is no formal public consultation, members of the public can send their ideas and thoughts to QueenElizabethMemorial@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

The King is understood to be taking a very 'close interest' in the project, as is the Prince of Wales.

The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's hundredth birthday year, in 2026. 

The Government will support the successful proposals and will work closely with the committee over the coming years.

On the project, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten. 

'The national memorial will be located in St James's Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.'

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: 'Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning monarch, and gave her life in service to our nation. 

'It is only right that the memorial is situated in a location that represents the scale of Her role at the heart of British society, and provides a place of reflection.'

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Memorial is on the other side of The Mall from their daughter's proposed tribute. 

Completed in 2009, it incorporates a Grade II-listed statue of George VI by William McMillan, unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955, and a statue of the Queen Mother by Philip Jackson, unveiled in 2009.

Some local tributes to the late Queen have already been set up, including a statue at York Minster which was unveiled by King Charles two months after her death.

A £125,000 statue of the Queen with her beloved corgis at her feet has also been erected in Rutland.

Andrew Scattergood, chief executive of The Royal Parks, said the charity was 'honoured' the location had been chosen.

He added: 'The park is steeped in rich royal history, renowned worldwide for hosting spectacular royal and ceremonial events, so it feels fitting that the memorial should be situated here. 

'We hope that the memorial area will provide people with a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.'