Lambeth council is to protect the David Bowie mural on the side of Morleys that has become a shrine to the artist who was born in Brixton and died in January.

A local listing will protect the mural and the council is also considering renaming the area where the mural is in Tunstall Place. It is in contact with Bowie’s family about the many suggestions for a permanent memorial, including statues and place naming.

Council leader Lib Peck said: “It is ultimately the family’s decision as to what may be appropriate. We must respect that and be patient.

“Lambeth residents have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection visibly demonstrated by floral tributes, messages and people visiting the Bowie mural to pay their respects to this unique ‘Brixton boy’.

“We are also in contact with the Bowie fan club and other Brixton organisations who want to honour the memory and legacy of this extraordinary artist. We will share any word we get from his family that will determine what we do next.”

The council said its street cleaning team has been working “discretely and respectfully” to maintain the floral tributes. But next week the remaining flowers will be removed.

The advertising contract for the cosmetics range of Bowie’s widow Iman’s is to end so Morleys will be removing the poster.

The council has commissioned photographs of the posters, mural, tributes and messages as a permanent record which will be mounted and given to Morleys, the 02, Pop Brixton and any other organisations that wish to display them.

Morleys will preserve messages on the brick wall and non-perishable items like drawings and cards will be stored in the council archives.