Local authorities and emergency services have stabilised a disused building on Wharf Street in central Leicester after parts of the structure collapsed, allowing evacuated residents to return to their homes while demolition and recovery work continues.
Emergency action taken under Section 78
Leicester City Council confirmed work was carried out under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984, which gives councils powers to act immediately where there is an imminent risk to public safety. Contractors will remain on site until the end of the week to install hoardings and remove equipment, the council said.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene when the initial collapse occurred. Firefighters later reported a second collapse involving the roof and other brickwork. Severn Trent Water also said it had been called to deal with a major internal leak at the disused building prior to the collapse; its teams helped to shut off the water supply but were not on site when the collapse happened.
Impact on residents and local streets
Those who had been evacuated from nearby properties have been told they can return, but the council warned that works to make the area safe will continue. Wharf Street South remains closed while demolition operations are under way.
- Site works: contractors on site until week’s end to erect hoardings and clear equipment.
- Costs: council will recover all expenses from the property owner.
- Road closure: Wharf Street South remains closed during demolition.
"All expenses incurred during this emergency operation will be recovered from the property owner," a council spokesperson said.
What has been confirmed so far
Officials have been clear that the response was an emergency public-safety measure. The recorded facts from the services involved are:
| Agency | Action |
|---|---|
| Leicester City Council | Used Section 78 powers to secure building; contractors to remain on site until week’s end |
| Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service | Responded to initial collapse; reported subsequent roof and brickwork collapse |
| Severn Trent Water | Attended a major internal leak beforehand; shut off building's water supply |
The council has emphasised it will seek to recover the costs of the emergency operation from the owner of the property. For residents, the immediate effect is mixed: while those evacuated have been allowed to return, the presence of contractors and a continued road closure mean disruption will persist for several days.
Further updates are expected as demolition and clearance progress. Wharf Street South will remain closed until the site is fully secured and the council confirms it is safe to reopen the road.
