In what is bound to an emotive event, the living memorial has been designed to reflect Stephen Lawrence's own aspirations to become an architect. Not only is it a handsome building but its in-house curriculum will provide education and outreach activities focused around design, architecture, science and engineering for 14-25 year olds living in poverty. It will encourage them to pursue careers in urban regereneration and promote best practice in urban design.

Central to the mission of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, of course, is building better communities and respect for diversity, particularly through promoting the self-esteem of young people in deprived areas. With other shiny new development coming to the area, perhaps things are looking up for SE8.