Two teenagers have been charged with arson after a fire tore through an abandoned Debenhams more than a year ago.
The devastating blaze broke out at about 8.45pm in the former department store in Canterbury on December 2, 2024.
The flames could be seen for miles around. Photo UKNIP
Police and fire crews were met with flames pouring from the building as plumes of smoke rose high into the night sky.
At its peak, more than 50 firefighters battled the inferno, which engulfed the building overnight.
Thirty people were evacuated from their flats, with one requiring medical treatment.
Pictures taken in the aftermath showed the charred remains of the roof.
Debenhams in Canterbury in the aftermath of Monday’s fire. Picture: TheDroneMan.net
Initial enquiries were completed, and arrests were made over the next four days.
Following an extensive investigation, two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on March 17 charged with arson.
Both were bailed with conditions to appear before the same court on April 14.
Fire crews outside the former Debenhams in Canterbury High Street. Picture: Lukas Järvinen
Crews remain at the scene of the former Debenhams fire in Canterbury
Meanwhile, the fire has also left the fate of a long-awaited development of the site uncertain, with original plans for 74 homes and 12 shops in the newly-named Guildhall Quarter seeming unlikely at this stage.
Approved in January 2020 when Debenhams was still open, it had been hoped the swift repurposing of the iconic city centre building would provide job opportunities and high-quality accommodation.
Supporters lauded it as “a great example of what can be done” with promises of new stores and flats overlooking the historic setting.
Since then, delays largely thanks to water pollution issues at Stodmarsh and the Covid pandemic have seen costs increase and many become cynical over the chances of seeing the plans come to life.