As our historic buildings are hit by arson, what can be done to protect them?

FIRES IN LISTED BUILDINGS PROMPT CALLS FOR MORE ACTION

- By ZENA HAWLEY

A SECOND deliberate fire in a derelict listed building in Derby within three weeks has led to calls for more action to protect the city’s heritage.

The most recent fire was at 19th-century Melbourne House on the corner of Osmaston Road and Melbourne Street on Friday.

National heritage organisation Historic England has said that it is “concerned about the neglect, damage and arson suffered by historic buildings in Derby”.

Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield says she shares the frustration and that the council is actively collaborating with Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) and Historic England to draw up a list of those buildings most at risk.

Grade II-listed Melbourne House is privately owned and was purchased in 2012 when it ceased to be part of the city’s health service estate, having previously been a midwifery school to complement the nearby Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. Since then, it is unclear if anyone has lived there, but a fire took place in January 2024, destroying substantial parts of the interior.

An investigation concluded the fire was “started by someone who gained access to seek shelter. A fire was started in a fireplace but as the chimney flue was blocked it spread to the roof space”.

An investigation into the latest fire resulted in Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services releasing a statement, which read: “A joint police and fire investigation into the cause of a building fire in Derby has concluded the most likely cause to be deliberate due to the introduction of a naked flame to combustible materials.”

The other listed building which was set on fire, on May 16 - also started deliberately - was the former Hippodrome Theatre in Green Lane which has had to undergo some demolition since the blaze and has caused concern over whether the building can be saved - it was destined to be turned into an alternative music venue.