The UK government is inviting designers, architects and artists from all over the world to enter an international design competition for a striking new national memorial commemorating the Holocaust.

No design is required at the first stage. Initially, competitors are invited to submit an Expression of Interest – the deadline for this is 14:00 BST Monday 17 October.

This new national landmark will be sited next to Parliament in Victoria Tower Gardens, London. Its aim is to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to honouring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, providing a place for quiet reflection as well as large-scale national commemorations.

Following the recommendation of the cross-party UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, competition entrants are also being invited to incorporate designs for a possible accompanying below-ground learning centre. This world-class centre would give visitors an immediate opportunity to learn more, contextualising the memorial, grounding it in historical fact as events fade from living memory, and inspiring future generations to respect and embrace difference, in an attempt to combat hatred and prejudice.

The international design competition is asking world-class design teams to submit initial expressions of interest in the project, with shortlisted teams then submitting two-part designs, the first fulfilling the minimum commitment of a striking new national memorial and the second including the below-ground learning centre. The submissions will be taken forward, subject to technical, financial, planning or other constraints, and an independent jury will be appointed to judge the competition.

An exhibition of the finalists’ concept designs will be held in central London in January and will also be available to view online, giving evryone an opportunity to view the entries and provide their feedback. The winning design team will be announced in summer next year.