Firefighters from all over Teesside respond to a huge fire at the iconic Grade 2 Listed building which is currently under development to transform it into a boutique hotel.
The inferno broke out just before 6:00pm on the evening of Tuesday 7th of November which forced the closure of many streets in the vicinity of the building such as Wesley Square and Victoria Road in the town.
Crowds gathered quickly as emergency services arrived on scene after reports of the incident were shared over social media. The Wesley Chapel which is situated in Hartlepool Town Centre is a Grade 2 Listed historic building which was a former Victorian Methodist Chapel, Nightclub and a gym.
Developers Jomast at the time were refurbishing and restoring the building to become a boutique hotel, restaurant and commercial units at a cost of million however the future of the building is now in doubt after the blaze.
In a statement, Cllr Mike Young, the leader of Hartlepool Council thanked the emergency services, and described the fire as a “huge and devastating set back” in their work to regenerate the town centre.
Three males, two aged 15 and one aged 16, were arrested on suspicion of arson and they have been bailed with conditions.
The building has had its fair share of arson attacks with a similar incident occurring in 2017. Firefighters from Cleveland Fire Brigade will remain on scene throughout the night to ensure all hotspots are extinguished and that the building is secured. Officers from Cleveland Police will also remain on scene for the interest of public safety
Last Updated on 13 November 2023