College set to rise from ashes
RENOVATION work is due to start on Union Theological College on Monday – 10 months after the historic building was gutted in an early morning arson attack.
Firefighters were called to the Botanic Avenue blaze at 2.30am on November 14 last year – and then recalled to a second fire at the premises five hours later.
The fire had broken out in a listed building, known as the Principal's House, which had been in the final stages of a major renovation. It had been due to open in January 2010.
Secretary of the college's management committee, Rev Trevor Gribben, said costs to repair the building – which is owned by the Presbyterian Church – have been estimated at 1.3 million.
"The building was insured so our insurers are paying the bulk of this contract," he said.
Rev Gribben said it is hoped renovation work on the building – a recognised college of Queen's University which teaches theology students, Presbyterian ministry students and others - will be complete by next spring, "in advance of the general assembly meeting in the first week in June".
At the time of the fire, there was still work valued at 200,000 outstanding, said Rev Gribben, who is also deputy clerk of the Presbyterian general assembly.
"When the fire happened we were that close to completion," he said.
"There was only about a week-and-a-half's work to go. We were literally at the finishing stages inside.
"Basically the building was totally gutted by fire. During the extension we were extending the roof and renovating the old roof. Now we have to put a totally new roof on."
Rev Gribben said that the original renovation work - prior to the fire - "was being paid for out of college resources".
"The college had some money built up to do renovation work over the years in their account.
"They had sold some shares and been given legacies over the years."
Rev Gribben recalled the devastation he felt when he visited the scene of the blaze.
"I was called out the morning of the fire and it was gutting to see it," he said.
"We stood and watched the fire brigade do an amazing job saving the rest of the college. This building where the fire started is attached to the chapel of the college and it only received smoke damage. It had to be closed for around a month.
"But it could have been much worse and we could have lost everything."
Last night, a PSNI spokesman said the Ulster Theological College fire was "being treated as arson and inquiries are ongoing".
"There have been no arrests or charges as yet," he added.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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