Pictures show aftermath of fire at abandoned nightclub in East Hill, Ashford

Pictures show aftermath of fire at abandoned nightclub in East Hill, Ashford
New pictures reveal the extent of damage to an abandoned nightclub following a major blaze.

Ten fire engines were called to the incident at Ashford’s former Liquid nightclub in the early hours.

The unlisted site has been badly damaged in the blaze. Picture: Steve SalterThe unlisted site has been badly damaged in the blaze. Picture: Steve Salter
The unlisted site has been badly damaged in the blaze. Picture: Steve Salter

Residents living in the town centre and Mace Lane area were asked to keep their windows and doors closed due to the large amount of smoke.

It came just two weeks after nine fire engines attended another blaze at the site, which has been empty since 2014.

Developer Oliver Davis, who has owned the building since 2021, had planned to turn the landmark into 53 flats.

But he confirmed earlier this month how that is no longer happening as he has had more interest from commercial tenants than residential.

He said the unlisted building, which was built in 1901 as H.S. Pledge and Son flour mill, is still due to receive a long-overdue makeover as it will be turned into a “flexible office space”.

One fire engine remains at the scene this evening. Picture: Steve SalterOne fire engine remains at the scene this evening. Picture: Steve Salter
One fire engine remains at the scene this evening. Picture: Steve Salter
The damage is extensive at the former mill and nightclub in East Hill, Ashford. Picture: Steve SalterThe damage is extensive at the former mill and nightclub in East Hill, Ashford. Picture: Steve Salter
The damage is extensive at the former mill and nightclub in East Hill, Ashford. Picture: Steve Salter
Fire crews were called to the site in the early hours. Picture: Steve SalterFire crews were called to the site in the early hours. Picture: Steve Salter
Fire crews were called to the site in the early hours. Picture: Steve Salter

But fire crews have twice been called to the site since he made that announcement, with police and one fire engine remaining at the scene this evening.

The first blaze in December started when a tree was set alight and spread to the building, but it remains unclear how today’s fire began.

The site had been a selection of nightspots until 2014, with Liquid becoming the last name to occupy it.

The former flour mill in East Hill is next to Ashford SchoolThe former flour mill in East Hill is next to Ashford School
The former flour mill in East Hill is next to Ashford School
How the East Hill mill residential development was set to look. Picture: HollawayHow the East Hill mill residential development was set to look. Picture: Hollaway
How the East Hill mill residential development was set to look. Picture: Hollaway
Oliver Davis has owned the site since 2021. Picture: Steve SalterOliver Davis has owned the site since 2021. Picture: Steve Salter
Oliver Davis has owned the site since 2021. Picture: Steve Salter
Queues at the opening night of Liquid nightclub in 2002. Picture: Dave DowneyQueues at the opening night of Liquid nightclub in 2002. Picture: Dave Downey
Queues at the opening night of Liquid nightclub in 2002. Picture: Dave Downey

Before Mr Davis snapped up the building, proposals had emerged in 2017 to turn the seven-storey site into a performing arts centre for Ashford School, complete with a 250-seat theatre and staff offices, but it never got off the ground.

#Pictures #show #aftermath #fire #abandoned #nightclub #East #Hill #Ashford


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *