Newcastle Uni building still unsafe five months after fire

Heritage campaigners are among those calling for Henderson Old Hall to be restored

Concern is growing over the future of a former university halls of residence in Newcastle, which remains "unsafe" five months after a devastating fire.

Flames ripped through the roof of Henderson Old Hall in June, leaving the Grade II-listed site severely damaged.

With no scaffolding or coverings in place, there are fears the building's condition will deteriorate this winter.

Newcastle University said debris from the fire had yet to be removed, ahead of a full assessment of the damage.

Henderson Old Hall, in High Heaton, when the student halls first opened in the 1930s

Henderson Old Hall was first opened as student residential accommodation in 1932, but had been unused for several years before June's blaze.

Former student John Latham, who lived in the halls from 1968 to 1971, has led calls for them to be rebuilt.

Mr Latham said he was shocked by the lack of protection for the site on a recent visit to Newcastle.

"One would expect some form of covering and protection to be there, especially with the building being Grade II-listed," he said.

He called on the university to publish an anticipated 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," he added.

"We hope that it can be restored and that a use for it can be found."

• Arson arrest as fire destroys listed building

• Henderson Old Hall: Drone footage shows extent of fire

• University bosses assessing future of fire-hit halls

Liberal Democrat councillor Greg Stone called for clarity over the building's future.

Mr Stone told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (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."

'Still unsafe'

Newcastle University confirmed Henderson Old Hall "is still registered as unsafe" and that it is "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."

Henderson Old Hall was first opened as student residential accommodation in 1932, but had been unused for several years before June's blaze.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire on 8 June. Both remain on bail.