Cambridge Station Fire

8 April 2010, 06:00

Brookgate, the developers behind plans to re-develop the area around Cambridge Railway Station, say a big fire at the site won't hold up the project.

Firefighters were called to a fire in derelict building near Cambridge Railway Station, early on the morning of Saturday 27th March.

Sparks from the building meant the fire soon spread to an adjacent building, known as Spillers Mill.

In total more than 70 firefighters and 12 fire engines were needed to bring the fire under control.

The fire caused significant disruption to transport in and around Cambridge, including the closure of the nearby railway station for most of the day.

As the buildings were empty, no evacuations were needed and nobody was hurt.

The second building which caught fire, called Spillers Mill, was due to become part of the CB1 development, which is a big re-development of that part of Cambridge.

However, the fire meant that building became unstable and was demolished for safety reasons.

It is still not known what started the fire, as Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has not yet been able to begin an investigation.

This is because the original building to catch fire is still not safe enough for firefighters to begin their investigation.

Brookgate, the developers behind the CB1 project, said: "Brookgate is working with the fire brigade to establish the cause of the fire and liasing with Cambridge City Council over the next steps for this section of the CB1 site.

The fire has not affected the current build schedule and work will progress on site as normal."

Plans for the area include a new station square, new transport interchange, offices, apartments, student accommodation, shops and hotels.

Click here to find out more about plans to re-develop the Cambridge station area.