Fire-hit warehouse talks continue

It was the third fire in eight years

Parts of a historic warehouse may need to be demolished after a huge fire.

The listed bonded warehouse, which was built in 1844 on Newcastle's Quayside, was badly damaged when flames swept through it on Friday.

A meeting was held on Monday between Newcastle City Council, the owners, developers and English Heritage to discuss the building's future.

Another meeting will be held on Tuesday to discuss the need for selective demolition of dangerous parts.

The building is due to be transformed into luxury apartments.

Structure safeness

Following Monday's meeting, a council spokeswoman said: "A further meeting will now take place on Tuesday between WSP Structural Engineers, Newcastle City Council's building control manager, owners of the building Zirca Ltd and English Heritage to discuss in detail the need for selective demolition of dangerous parts of the building in order for work to be carried out as soon as possible."

She said it had been the third fire in eight years, which seriously affected the integrity and safeness of the structure.

Council planning, building control staff and structural engineers visited the site on Monday.

Roads around the site have been cordoned off since Friday.

At the height of the blaze, guests at the Copthorne Hotel opposite had to be evacuated. A Mother's Day lunch for almost 190 guests at the hotel on Sunday also had to be cancelled and alternative venues found.

The developers of the site are Adamson Development, Tolent Construction and GTMS.