Council labels derelict NHS building 'dangerous'

A derelict building owned by the NHS which is being used by so-called urban explorers is dangerous and needs to be made more secure, a council has said.

Fulwood House, a 1960s tower block on Old Fulwood Road in Sheffield, previously housed NHS administration staff but has been empty since 2018.

Earlier this year, Sheffield Council approved plans for it to be developed for housing and despite security fences, the council said it had identified "several weaknesses" in the perimeter cordon of the building which has now been registered as a dangerous structure.

The NHS confirmed that whilst measures were in place including 24/7 security, they will now take "further action" following a "thorough investigation".

The council said they would be "monitoring the situation" and issuing a formal notice requiring improvements to the site security arrangements.

"This will include strengthening the identified weak points within the perimeter cordon and boarding up accessible ground floor openings to prevent unauthorised entry and reduce the risk to public safety", a spokesperson said.

Local resident Paul Bradwell posted videos on social media earlier this month which showed young people on the 7th floor of the building with one male balancing outside the window.

"We often hear kids inside the building, breaking glass and all sorts of other noises" he said.

"They're making it right up to the very top and they're also climbing through broken windows to stand on the outside of the ledge with just a sheer drop below. I mean, quite a fearless lad, but at the same time, not particularly safe"

John Ronan has lived in Fulwood for 35 years. He said the security fencing was too "flimsy" and it's " just a matter of time" before somebody gets hurt.

"It can't be safe up there, those floors are compromised and the window frames that they're using to clamber on must be rotten," he said. "It's just not worth it for a Tik Tok video."

Previously a 19-year-old university student died in Fulwood in 2017 whilst exploring a derelict hotel. Thomas Rhodes died falling from the ninth floor of the derelict Hallam Towers.

Fulwood Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Sangar said: "We remain very concerned for the safety of any young person trespassing on the site.

"These buildings are not safe. We've been in regular contact with the local community police and the council's anti-social behaviour team who have agreed to increase their visits to the area. "

Sheffield North West NPT Inspector Nikolaus Dodsworth said: "We are aware of concerns of residents around anti-social behaviour at a derelict building on Old Fulwood Road.

"Our local neighbourhood team has been made aware of these reports and patrols plans have been updated to reflect these concerns."

The site, which is still owned by the NHS, includes a mock Tudor property next to the tower block which has also fallen into disrepair after two fires in the last year.

Whilst the NHS said they had put measures in place including 24/7 on-site security with dog patrols, warning signs across the site and security fencing, it has confirmed more will be done.

A spokesperson for Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are aware that there may be concerns from residents regarding Fulwood House site security and public safety. Safety has always been our priority at Fulwood House.

"Following a recent escalation in incidents the trust will now be taking further action at the site. The details of those actions will be informed by a thorough investigation."

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