Former nightclub set alight in arson attack

Stourbridge’s former Picturehouse nightclub has been damaged in an arson attack overnight.

More than 30 firefighters from stations in Brierley Hill, Haden Cross, Dudley, Oldbury, Stourbridge and Tipton were called to the Hagley Road premises just before 9:30pm. A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the building was empty and that the fire was started deliberately and they were treating it as arson. They said:

"We were called at 9.27pm to reports of a fire at a disused nightclub.

"There were multiple seats of fire in the building across multiple floors and the basement.

"Police were in attendance and it was confirmed as arson.

"The last crew left the scene just before midnight but they have revisited this morning and will be going back later to reinspect."

The former nightclub was recently purchased by Cinnamon Care with a view to develop it into 34 'extra care' flats as part of a wider retirement village, alongside a neighbouring property.