News / Old City
Fire breaks out in historic Bristol building
Residents in neighbouring buildings were evacuated after a fire broke out on Small Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Water was pumped from the Floating Harbour to fight the fire in the historic Guildhall building, which is due to be transformed into a luxury hotel.
Around 50 firefighters from across the Bristol area attended the scene at the height of the fire, with its cause currently unknown and investigations due to continue on Monday.
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Firefighters forced entry to the Guildhall in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but due to the structural stability of the building and extensive spread of fire, it was later fought from from outside using turntable ladders.
The fire spread across four floors, with businesses around both Small Street and Broad Street forced to shut on Sunday morning due to road closures.
Police are treating the incident as suspicious. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 82.
The current Guildhall was built between 1843 and 1846, replacing a previous 15th century building.
It was historically the seat of Bristol’s local government as well as holding the mayor’s parlour and courtrooms, one of which reportedly has a Jacobean chimneypiece dating from 1626 and originally from Welsh Back.
Plans for a £10m luxury hotel were first revealed in 2015 but little progress has been made since then.
The Grade II* listed building and the adjacent Grade I listed Bank of England on Broad Street, were set be transformed with a new walkway opened up leading to Small Street.
The new hotel was due to have 92 bedrooms, a restaurant and entrances on both streets. A rooftop extension would give high-end rooms views of the city and create space for a pool and spa.
The current Guildhall was built between 1843 and 1846, replacing a previous 15th century building – photo by Martin Booth
Main photo: Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Read more: Rooftop swimming pool for historic Guildhall
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