Storm-damaged building poses danger to life - report

Pump Street remains partially closed off as discussions continue about what to do with this unstable building

A storm-damaged historic building in Londonderry poses a "clear and immediate danger to life", a health and safety report commissioned by the owners has warned.

The former Convent of Mercy on Pump Street, a Georgian listed building dating back to the early 1800s, had been in a state of disrepair before it was further damaged in the recent Storm Amy.

Structural engineers have confirmed that the property is now in a "state of imminent collapse".

The details are contained in a planning application to carry out demolition work on the building, owned by the Derry-based Martin Property Group, but no final decision has been taken on this.

Jim Roddy, from the City Centre Initiative organisation, told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that public safety had to be the priority in what he described as an "emergency situation".

"I hope that as much of the heritage of the building is saved, but ultimately the most important thing is I hope nobody is hurt in between times and there's no further collapse," he said.

He said all of those involved in deciding what to do with the building should "leave no stone unturned" to find a solution, adding that discussions had been taking place to see what support could be offered to local traders who have lost business as a result.

John Anderson, from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, said if the building is knocked down it will be "gone forever".

"This building came onto our register in 2005 as being an 'at risk' building," he said.

"That was 20 years ago; how has this building got into this condition?"

John Anderson, from the Ulster Architectural Society, wants to know why the building was allowed to get into such a state of disrepair

The Martin Property Group has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment.

It needs what is called "listed building consent" before any work which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historical interest could be carried out.

This application also gives the first full insight into the extent of the damage to the building following Storm Amy earlier in October.

The survey stated that internal access to the building for a detailed inspection has not been possible due to all the internal floors collapsing and dangerous state of the exterior.

Part of the facade fell off the building onto the street below during Storm Amy and the area has been partially closed ever since.

Traders have complained that the partial street closure and the uncertainty over the building's future have badly affected business.

The Department for Communities' historic environment division has said that, "in the round", it supports the careful dismantling of the existing roof structure and the second and third floor walls and windows.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has been in discussions with the owner since the damage happened with a view to balancing health and safety concerns with preserving built heritage.

"We continue to engage with the owner of the building and his planning consultant in respect to their plans to undertake this work," a spokesperson said.