THE “historic” building demolished in Warrington town centre on New Year’s Eve had become structurally unsafe following a sudden roof collapse.
Warrington Borough Council say they had no choice but to issue an Emergency Demolition Order due to the potential dangers to the public.
Considered by many to be historic, the building on Cairo Street has had various uses over the years including former council offices and church school rooms, near the Grade II Listed Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel.
Members of the public were shocked to see the building being demolished on New Year’s Eve (Monday) with many taking to social media to express their outrage at the loss of another “historic building.”
But a spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council said: “The Council received an emergency call-out on Friday 28 December, when the roof of the building began to suddenly collapse.
“Numerous unauthorised attempts to access the building had been made, and major structural brickwork supporting the roof collapsed, resulting in the destabilisation of the building. Following an inspection, it was clear that there was no alternative but to safely demolish the building, to protect the public and prevent damage to adjacent buildings. The building was not listed.
“The roof collapse posed an imminent risk not just to the gable wall, but to the entire structure. While the building was not owned by the Council, safety is paramount, and the potential danger to members of the public meant it was essential to securely take the building down. The owner of the building has been very cooperative in responding to the issue.”
Last December planning permission was granted to convert it into a restaurant.
At the time it was said the new restaurant would include an outdoor eating area – which planners said would contribute to a relaxed and sociable style of eating and drinking indicative of a modern, cosmopolitan society.
The building backed onto the former Garnett’s Cabinet Works which were demolished earlier this year after deteriorating into a dangerous condition after years of neglect.
It is understood that the site is owned by the former owners of the Garnett’s Cabinet works Scotland based PTS Property services.
The building which was demolished on New Year’s Eve
The building which was granted permission to be transformed into a restaurant
Demolition of “historic” town centre building on New Year’s Eve sparks outrage
