Pictures have revealed the extent of a 'devastating' fire that tore through a former college site, as a Midlands MP insists Birmingham City Council has 'questions to answer'. The blaze erupted at the disused Hunters Hill College in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove, at around 9pm on Monday. Fire crews battled the flames throughout the night, while nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Political Reaction
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas issued a statement thanking firefighters and police for their response, but demanded a full investigation into the cause. 'Who or what started it? Could it have been prevented? We must get answers,' he said. He added that the city council 'has questions to answer too' regarding site security, stressing that the land, donated by the Cadbury family for community benefit, must not be sold off for housing.
Councillor's Concerns
Conservative councillor Alex Yip echoed these sentiments, arguing the fire raises 'serious questions about the financial mismanagement of public assets and the council's long-term planning for SEND provision'. He described the building as 'a valuable public asset that should never have been allowed to fall into such a state', and called for accountability over why it remained vacant for nearly five years after its 2021 closure.
Council Response
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson acknowledged the concern, stating: 'We understand the concern the fire at the former college site will cause given the building's history and its importance to many families.' They explained that Hunters Hill, a residential SEMH school, closed in 2021 following a formal decision-making process considering building condition and educational standards. All pupils were transitioned to alternative provision.
Responsibility for the site transferred to the council as trustee, with management through its Corporate Landlord function. Approval had been granted to dispose of the wider Cropwood Estate, and work was underway to prepare for marketing. The council had undertaken partial demolition to mitigate fire and safety risks, but acknowledged these measures were insufficient to prevent the incident.
Future Plans
'In light of the fire, we will now need to review the disposal strategy and associated plans to ensure they remain appropriate,' the spokesperson said. 'Our priority will be to work with the Trust and Charities Committee to progress a transfer of the site and secure a suitable long-term use as soon as possible.' They recognised concerns about the site remaining vacant, noting that identifying a viable future use for specialist former education sites can take time due to legal and community considerations.
The fire service confirmed no injuries and that an investigation into the cause has begun. The BBC reports the blaze is being treated as suspicious.
