Storm-damaged building ‘poses danger to life’

A storm-damaged historic building in Londonderry poses a “clear and immediate danger to life”, a health and safety report commissioned by the owners has warned.

The former Convent of Mercy on Pump Street, a Georgian listed building dating back to the early 1800s, had been in a state of disrepair before it was further damaged in the recent Storm Amy.

Structural engineers have confirmed that the property is now in a “state of imminent collapse”.

The details are contained in a planning application to carry out demolition work on the building, owned by the Derry-based Martin Property Group, but no final decision has been taken on this.

The Martin Property Group has not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.

It needs what is called “listed building consent” before any work which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historical interest could be carried out.

This application also gives the first full insight into the extent of the damage to the building following Storm Amy earlier in October.

The survey stated that internal access to the building for a detailed inspection has not been possible due to all the internal floors collapsing and dangerous state of the exterior.

Part of the facade fell off the building onto the street below during Storm Amy and the area has been partially closed ever since.

Traders have complained that the partial street closure and the uncertainty over the building’s future have badly affected business.

The Department for Communities’ historic environment division has said that, “in the round”, it supports the careful dismantling of the existing roof structure and the second and third floor walls and windows.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has been in discussions with the owner since the damage happened with a view to balancing health and safety concerns with preserving built heritage.

“We continue to engage with the owner of the building and his planning consultant in respect to their plans to undertake this work,” a spokesperson said.