The British government has announced plans to build a £40m (US$53m, €47m) Holocaust memorial near the Houses of Parliament in London, launching an international contest to find the best concept design.

The move came about after a recommendation by the Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

Architectural competition consultancy Malcolm Reading has asked interested parties to get in touch by 2.00pm BST on 17 October 2016. No design is required at this stage.

The design brief asks that the memorial and an accompanying 2,650sqm (28,500sq ft) educational centre honour victims of the Holocaust and underline the UK’s commitment to “standing up against prejudice and hatred”. It should be a place where visitors can reflect on the events of the 1940s and develop their understanding of how to keep such atrocities from happening. It should also function as a place for national commemorative events.

The memorial will be located in Victoria Tower Gardens, near the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames.

Before a winner is announced next summer, the finalists’ designs will go on public display in January in London.