Artist spaces destroyed after arson at Belfast’s Cathedral Buildings

An 18-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire at a building in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter yesterday, the BBC and The Journal have reported.

The fire broke out at the Old Cathedral Buildings, which is used by a range of businesses and groups, on Donegall Street at around 5.40am.

Police officers and over 50 firefighters attended the scene. The PSNI this afternoon confirmed that the fire was being treated as suspected arson.

Detectives have now charged the 18-year-old man following the fire, and the burglary of a nearby business premises. The man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, burglary and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

All charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. The man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today.

Earlier, the PSNI asked anyone with information on the blaze to come forward.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information or who has CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area at the time of the incident to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 197 03/10/22,” Detective Sergeant Dougherty said.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form on the PSNI’s website. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Belfast Buildings Trust released a statement on Twitter following the news.

"The fire at Cathedral Buildings is a tragedy for its occupants and the local economy. What next for this vital part of Belfast’s streetscape? Investment is critical, but so is civic pride, responsibility, and a demand to make things happen."

The fire at Cathedral Buildings is a tragedy for its occupants and the local economy. What next for this vital part of Belfast’s streetscape?

Investment is critical, but so is civic pride, responsibility, and a demand to make things happen.https://t.co/WxdTNOTRsO pic.twitter.com/4GlArMJpAa

— Belfast Buildings Trust (@bbtbelfast) October 3, 2022

Fellow building occupants Jennifer Mehigan and Tj Tytler have also set up a Go Fund Me.

"We are the occupants of a few studios in Cathedral Building that burnt down this morning in Belfast city centre," the description reads. "We are putting this fund together after several requests from friends and supporters to help us out after losing all of our work, tech, and equipment in the fire. Jennifer Mehigan will be accepting the funds and distributing them evenly to all the artists involved, she has previously managed funds for COVID-19 emergency aid groups and the 343."

"We obviously never expect to recuperate the majority of our losses as the fire has destroyed everything, but any donations will help us to try get back a little bit of what we have lost in terms of income, computers, and other smaller objects," the post adds. "Most of the losses are intangible and irreplaceable, artwork, sketchbooks, and research etc. Please only help if you can, even a share makes such a difference, and we know times are tough for everyone right now. Thanks for reading."