Clerkenwell Fire Station: ‘a fine building has stood empty for four years’

• AS chair of the Amwell Society, I am writing to protest about Clerkenwell Fire Station being left empty for four years, with no sign of a change in the immediate future.

The fire station closed in early 2014, and was marketed for sale later that year, but not sold. It was also declared an asset of community value at the request of my society. Islington Council produced a planning brief for the site, which we fully support.

What has happened since then? Nothing! Questions to the Mayor over the years have produced vague responses about a London-wide review of surplus property. My letter to the Islington London Assembly representative two months ago has not had a meaningful response.

At a time when the Mayor is applying pressure on councils to increase housing density across the capital, it is disgraceful that a fine 26,000sq ft building under his direct control is allowed to stand empty for four years.

At the very least, a temporary use should be found for the building – as a shelter for the growing number of homeless in central London.

PAUL THORNTON
Chair, Amwell Society