Concern is growing over the future of a fire-ravaged university halls of residence in Newcastle, which is still “unsafe” more than five months on from the devastating blaze.
Flames ripped through the roof of Henderson Old Hall in June, leaving the grade II listed site severely damaged.
Newcastle University bosses confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that debris from the massive fire has still not been removed and that a full assessment of the damage is yet to be carried out.
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There are now fears about what state the historic halls, in High Heaton, will be allowed to deteriorate into if left exposed to the elements this winter, with no scaffolding or coverings having been installed to protect the building.
Former student John Latham, who lived at Henderson Old Hall from 1968 to 1971, has led calls for it to be rebuilt.
After being shocked by the lack of protection for the ruined site on a recent visit to Newcastle, Mr Latham said: “One would expect some form of covering and protection to be there, especially with the building being grade II listed.
“This was a surprise to me and I look forward to the university publishing a report about future options for the building. I have spoken to various people, former students going back some years, and people are really concerned for its future.
“We hope that it can be restored and that a use for it can be found.”
Local councillor Greg Stone echoed the concerns and called for clarity over the building’s future.
The Liberal Democrat told the LDRS: “I fully accept that there are complex issues relating to structural integrity, insurance liabilities and site safety to resolve before the future of Henderson Hall can be decided, but I am concerned that the position seems to have barely changed since the initial aftermath of the fire.
“With weather conditions set to worsen over coming weeks, the ruined building remains open to the elements without any clear plan for its conservation or future use at the current time. The local community would welcome an indication that this is under active consideration while we await further news on options for the site.”
Newcastle University confirmed that Henderson Old Hall “is still registered as unsafe and we are working closely with the local conservation officer, our consultants and the insurance assessors to agree the required debris removal to make the building safe”.
A spokesperson added: “Once this initial removal work is complete, we will be able to access the building safely to undertake a full assessment of the damage.”
Two people were arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire on June 8 and both remain on bail.
Henderson Old Hall was first opened as student residential accommodation in 1932, but had been unused for several years before June’s blaze.
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