St Ives building fire: Bradford Council 'deeply concerned'

Crews from across the Bradford district scrambled to the former care home in the heart of the St Ives Estate just after 6.30pm on Tuesday. 

Multiple large jets, eight pumps, and an aerial appliance were used by the five stations in attendance at the derelict building.

West Yorkshire Police told the Telegraph & Argus that a crime of arson has been recorded.

The T&A understands nobody was injured and those living nearby did not need to evacuate their properties.

The blaze occurred at the derelict former St Ives Nursing Home. (Image: John Cochran) (Image: John Cochran)

Bradford Council say they are "deeply concerned" about the fire

A spokesperson said it seems like timber has been removed to get inside the building where one area has sustained fire damage.

Although the roof structure is safe, a structural engineer will have to look at a large timber beam which "could be of concern".

The Council met the owner on-site and said they agreed to get the building boarded up and made secure.

Some of the windows were completely blown out (Image: Newsquest)

Owner tells of "ambush of incidents at the site"

Vision Home Group, who owns the property, told the T&A there has been an "ambush of incidents at the site" over the past few months since an urban explorer trespassed. 

They say they have taken "every precaution" to safeguard the building.

They also claim to have submitted a planning application to "bring back the site to its former glory" before the fire took place.

Inside the burnt out property (Image: UGC)

History of the building

The Grade II-listed building on Keighley Road in Bingley is part of the St Ives Estate.

Bradford Council leased the property in 1984 on a 125-year full repairing and insuring lease at a peppercorn rent.

The mansion last housed St Ives Disabled Care Centre which shut in April 2016 after Elder Homes Bingley Ltd went into administration.

The 28 residents were rehomed and the property - which had a £400,000-plus guide price - was sold that July.

Where most of the damage occurred (Image: Bradford Council)

Councillor reaction

A Bradford Council officer was in contact with Bingley Rural Ward Councillor Paul Sullivan on February 23 responding to public concerns.

They said the Mansion House lease is now held by "several parties."

The officer added that the main 19th-century building, the Mansion House and the grounds - as opposed to the cottages and immediate gardens - are held by a single tenant.

They said: "Estate officers have had a number of meetings with the tenant to discuss immediate security and maintenance concerns and explore a long-term future for the building appropriate to its setting.

"The tenant has taken steps to secure the premises but we await any firm proposals for its future use and development."

The scene on Wednesday morning (Image: Newsquest)

Friends of St Ives Estate left "heartbroken"

Crews from Bradford, Keighley, Bingley, Fairweather Green, and Illingworth fire stations were all in attendance.

When the T&A visited the scene at 9am, several fire engines and West Yorkshire Police officers were present.

Pam Laking, of the Friends of St Ives Estate, said the fire has left those who live nearby distressed and upset.

"Everyone is heartbroken. They are very upset and feel very vulnerable," she said.

"I was phoned last night to tell me it was on fire and it was really distressing.

"It was first noticed at about 6.30pm. By 11pm, it was still burning quite badly.

"It looks absolutely terrible inside.

"It is so sad because parts of that building are hundreds of years old. It was an important part of the heart of the estate."

Police officers at the scene (Image: Newsquest)

Owner "extremely shocked and horrified" by fire

Vision Home Group added: "We are extremely shocked and horrified by the incident.

"We were made aware of the incident around 8pm last night, when we attended and found the emergency services on site. 

"We would like to thank the emergency services for the prompt action taken, they dealt well with the difficult situation.

"We would also like to thank Friends of St Ives and neighbours for reporting the fire before we could get on site."

The fire service remained at the scene for much of Wednesday morning (Image: Newsquest)

Full Bradford Council statement

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We’re deeply concerned about the fire at the St Ives Mansion House, which started at about 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday, March 5).

“It appears to be arson, as the building was boarded up with timber and it looks like this has been removed to get inside the building.

"Only one area of the building is fire damaged while the rest has some smoke damage and the roof structure is safe."

“We have met the owner on-site and he has agreed to get the building boarded up and made secure.

"He also agreed to get a structural engineer to look at a large timber beam which could be of concern.

"We will continue to liaise with the building owner, the fire service and the local Friends Of group on the next steps.”

West Yorkshire Police says a crime of arson has been recorded (Image: Newsquest)

Full West Yorkshire Police statement

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Enquires remain ongoing with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service into the cause of the fire and a crime of arson has been recorded. 

"Anyone who has information or saw suspicious activity at the location at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 5, is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat referencing police crime reference 13240123883. 

"Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."