Sheffield NHS announces action plan after children risk lives in burnt-out eight-storey Fulwood office
"We are aware that there may be concerns from residents regarding Fulwood House site security”
The NHS in Sheffield is to take action after children were seen hanging off the outside and playing on the roof of a derelict eight-storey office block.
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said the action would follow a thorough investigation at the Fulwood House site this week.
It comes after shock footage showed a youngster on the outside of a window frame on the top floor of the burnt-out building.
Another clip shows a boy running on the roof, before precariously climbing to the floor below, as jeering children lean out of smashed windows.
Local residents have raised fears of an accident similar to that seen at the old Hallam Towers in Broomhill which was popular with urban explorers before 19-year-old student Thomas Rhodes fell to his death in March 2017.
The building is owned by Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, the new name for NHS Sheffield Health and Social Care.
It was vacated in 2023.
A spokesperson from 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.”
It said safety measures include:
- 24/7 on-site security, including canine patrols
- Perimeter fencing around the site, supplemented by additional internal security fencing to provide further layers of protection around vulnerable areas
- Building access points secured through a combination of boarding and existing metal security shutters/grilles
- Warning and prohibition signage across the site.
The spokesperson added: "These measures are reviewed after all reported incidents, where we inspect and re-secure breached access points. 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, which is taking place this week.
"The Trust continues to work closely with South Yorkshire Police, who provide additional support when needed, and we remain thankful for their time.
“Both the Trust and South Yorkshire Police will continue to work together to engage relevant organisations, strengthening a coordinated approach to community safety in relation to Fulwood House.”
A sale of the site was originally agreed in 2022 and developer Expresso Properties went on to submit plans for a £50m housing development.
But the firm exited the deal in November last year after a sale contract expired.
The site includes a heritage building which was wrecked in a fire last year and is set to be demolished. The eight-storey office has had two fires on the top floor. There are several one and two-storey offices on the sprawling site which have been vandalised.