THE BOATHOUSE - FIRE DAMAGED AND VULNERABLE. THE COUNCIL HAVE NO PLANS TO SAVE IT.

Eddie Lawler, secretary of the Saltaire Village Society contacted Saltaire's World Heritage Officer, Craig McHugh, to enquire what plans had been made to protect the historic Boathouse, which suffered a fire on 11 April 2008 and is now empty and fire damaged. The Boathouse had closed down prior to the fire due to poor business. The fire is being investigated.

Craig McHugh replied to this enquiry with an answer which basically said "leave it to the market".  Without a practical action plan to protect the Boathouse from further destruction and disintergration, the building is now also vulnerable to vandals.

The Saltaire Village Society has also emailed Punch Taverns, the current owners of the Boathouse to seek clarification on their plans for the building which is an essential piece of architecture in this World Heritage Site. Punch Taverns have acknowledged the email, and Jo Sandall of that company writes: "I have asked our property team for an update on the plans for this pub so will respond to you as soon as I am able." Mr. Lawler has informed Punch Taverns that the Village Society has contacts who may be interested in taking the property on.

More news as it becomes available.

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Added: 27 April 2008