Historic building loses battle for survival

Demolition work has started on one of Londonderry’s most historical buildings despite unanimous objections voiced by the city’s ruling council.

A demolition company, which moved onto the site of the derelict Tillie and Henderson factory last week, began knocking down sections of the 19th century listed building on Sunday morning.

The former shirt factory, which dominates the cityside end of the Craigavon Bridge at Carlisle Square, had been sitting in a state of disrepair following a series of recent arson attacks.

In an effort to stop demolition the Mayor of Derry Kathleen McCloskey wrote to the Environment Minister Angela Smith to intervene and request the cessation of works.

“I have asked the Minister to use all and any necessary powers available to prevent the demolition of this vital part of this city’s heritage.

“Any attempt to demolish this building is in direct opposition to the expressed wishes of Derry City Council who, in December, unanimously rejected the request to demolish the building.”

Citing fears about the possibility of asbestos content in the structure the Mayor said it was imperative demolition plans were stopped.

“Hasty actions to demolish without planning permission are a cause for grave concern and I think it is an outrage that the express wishes of the City Council are being ignored,” she added.

However, the Environment Minister, Angela Smith, said there was no legal way to save the building.

“I have asked my officials if there is any immediate legal way in which we can save the building. They have advised me that there is not. The injunction, which DOE had previously obtained, obviously stopped the builder proceeding with his plans to demolish at that time.”

"Unfortunately the Court lifted the injunction,” she added.

The building, which was erected in 1856, was seen by many as a symbol of Derry's textile industry, which dominated employment in the city for almost 140 years.

(AMcE)