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Fire badly damages ex-Majestyk nightclub in Leeds | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A fire has badly damaged the former Majestyk nightclub in Leeds. | |
Dozens of firefighters worked through the night to tackle the blaze at the Grade II-listed premises, the home of the Majestic cinema in the 1920s. | |
At the height of the fire, flames could be seen shooting out of the top of the building as crews struggled to bring the blaze under control. | |
The roof has partially collapsed but the "iconic" building has been saved, firefighters said. | |
Most recently the premises was used as the home of the Majestyk nightclub, but it has also served as a ballroom and bingo club. | |
It lay disused for years after the closure of the nightclub, but had recently been refurbished. | |
About 25 officers are still at the scene. putting out small pockets of fire. Investigators are waiting to get into the building to assess the cause. | |
Nick Smith, from the fire service, said: "It's a big fire and it's been a difficult operation. But we have managed to save this iconic building. | Nick Smith, from the fire service, said: "It's a big fire and it's been a difficult operation. But we have managed to save this iconic building. |
"We've had the structural engineer out and the building framework is safe. Obviously, the roof isn't, but it doesn't pose a risk to the public." | |
Several road closures are in place around the site, which is opposite the railway station. They include Quebec Street, Wellington Street and New Station Street. | Several road closures are in place around the site, which is opposite the railway station. They include Quebec Street, Wellington Street and New Station Street. |
Mr Smith added: "Unfortunately for people coming into Leeds, anyone approaching the city from the south is going to have significant disruption to their travel." | Mr Smith added: "Unfortunately for people coming into Leeds, anyone approaching the city from the south is going to have significant disruption to their travel." |
Crews were called at about 19:20 BST on Tuesday following reports of smoke coming from the first floor of the building. | |
Leon Baranowski saw the flames from his flat, which overlooks the premises. | |
He told BBC Radio Leeds: "I looked out my window and you could see the flames. I watched it unfold for the next three or four hours. | He told BBC Radio Leeds: "I looked out my window and you could see the flames. I watched it unfold for the next three or four hours. |
"At about [22:30] the roof looked like it lit up again and that's when you started to see bigger flames, maybe 50ft up in the air. | |
"We got a real perspective because we had the backdrop of the city buildings." | "We got a real perspective because we had the backdrop of the city buildings." |