Newcastle University’s Henderson Old Hall to be restored after fire
Written by Sarah Leaver on 27th February 2025
A Newcastle University hall of residence is to be restored after a fire destroyed its roof in June 2023.
Newcastle University have confirmed that Henderson Old Hall – a Grade II listed building – will be repaired, more than 18 months after young arsonists set fire to the building.
A spokesperson for the university said: “The first step in restoring the building is to repair and reinstate the external fabric of the building damaged by the fire, making it permanently weather and watertight.
“We are currently in the process of tendering for a design team and contractor to undertake the works to the building, including replacing the roof and windows.”
The fire at Henderson Old Hall. Credit: Alamy Images
Henderson Old Hall opened in 1932 as the first residency hall for Durham University’s Armstrong College in Newcastle (now Newcastle University) and was renamed Henderson Hall in 1935.
Notable residents of the halls are said to include actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson, who used to perform amateur theatrics in the building, and musician Bryan Ferry.
It is unsure what the land will be used for, with land nearby being designated as a potential site for 100 new homes by Newcastle County Council.
Newcastle University said: “We are also in discussions about the future of the building and how it might be brought back into use.”
Lewis Ransome, an engineering student at the university, said: “It’s really great that they’re finally restoring the building; it’s been far too long.
“The building has been a really important part of the university’s history, and the fire devastated a lot of people who work and study here, me included.
“As an engineering student, my course leaders have spoken about the incident and their memories of the place – it’s really important to a lot of people that the building is restored.”
Two teenagers admitted setting the fire which destroyed the roof of the building and caused £15 million in damage.
The two boys were given six-month and four-month detention and training orders at North Tyneside Youth Court in February last year.
