Second Fire Engulfs Derelict Narrowcliff Hotel in Newquay, Investigation Underway Amid Structural Concerns

A significant fire has once again ravaged the derelict Narrowcliff Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall. Fire crews battled the blaze, which spread across multiple floors and through the roof, for several hours. This marks the second major fire at the abandoned property this year, raising serious concerns about its structural stability and the future of the prominent cliffside site. An investigation into the cause of the latest incident is now under way, involving both fire services and police.

Key Takeaways

• A second major fire has occurred at the derelict Narrowcliff Hotel in Newquay.
• The blaze spread across multiple floors and through the roof, requiring a large fire service response.
• Concerns have been raised about the structural stability of the building.
• A joint investigation by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police has been launched.
• The hotel has a history of fires and controversial redevelopment plans.

The Latest Blaze

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the fire at the Narrowcliff Hotel shortly before 3:20 am on Sunday, October 12th. Crews from five stations, including Newquay, Perranporth, St Dennis, Tolvaddon, and Mevagissey, along with specialist resources like an aerial ladder platform, were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a fully developed fire affecting multiple floors. Due to the severity of the fire and the building’s deteriorating condition, a defensive firefighting strategy was adopted. Crews worked through the night to bring the fire under control, with the blaze finally being extinguished around 2 pm the following day. The A3058 Narrowcliff and Lusty Glaze Road were closed to facilitate firefighting operations.

A Troubled History

This latest incident is not the first time the Narrowcliff Hotel has been the scene of a major fire. A significant blaze occurred in July of this year, which damaged a large section of the roof and spread to neighbouring properties. Following that fire, the body of a man in his 30s was discovered, leading to a murder investigation. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released on bail pending further inquiries. The hotel, built between the early 1900s and 1930s, has been derelict since 2015.

Redevelopment Plans and Local Concerns

The future of the Narrowcliff Hotel site has been the subject of contentious redevelopment proposals for years. Current owners, Salboy, along with neighbouring properties, are part of a reported £100 million development plan to construct approximately 200 apartments.

While amended plans for 176 apartments and a hotel were approved in March 2024, the decision was met with opposition from Newquay Town Council, which considered legal action. Local councillor Joanna Kenny described the building as a “decaying complex” and an “accident waiting to happen,” highlighting concerns about its security and the lack of action that could be taken by the council due to it being private property. The ongoing fires and structural concerns further complicate any future development plans.

Ongoing Investigation

A joint investigation between Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police commenced on Monday, October 13th, to determine the cause of the latest fire. However, investigators have faced limitations due to the extent of the damage and significant concerns regarding the building’s structural stability. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

Sources

• Fire breaks out at derelict Narrowcliff Hotel in Newquay, BBC.
• Tragedy and uncertain future of twice fire-ravaged Newquay hotel, Cornwall Live.
• Narrowcliff Hotel: Investigation launched into blaze at derelict Newquay hotel, ITVX.
• Fears over stability of derelict hotel in Newquay after second devastating fire, Cornwall Live.
• Derelict Newquay hotel fire ‘inevitable’, councillor says, BBC.