Developer ‘devastated’ over Majestyk fire

THE developer which recently carried out major restoration works at the former Majestyk nightclub in Leeds said it is “devastated” by the fire which ripped through the building.

Crews from West Yorkshire Fire Service were called to the landmark building in City Square on Tuesday night after receiving reports of smoke coming from the first floor.

A man is due to appear in court today charged with arson in connection with the fire. 

Stuart James Jefferson, aged 32, of no fixed abode, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning.

The Grade II listed former Majestic cinema, later the Majestyk nightclub, has recently been refurbished by developer Rushbond.

Mark Finch, director of real estate at the Leeds-based property company Rushbond, said: “We’re absolutely devastated by what’s happened to The Majestic and from the number of people who are already contacting us and the messages we have received, it’s clear that the people of Leeds share our sentiment at seeing this happen to such a much loved landmark building.

“We’re extremely grateful to all the emergency services and Leeds City Council who all worked tirelessly throughout the night and performed a sterling job in bringing the fire under control and managing the situation. We will now work closely with the authorities and will await the outcome of their investigation.”

Mr Finch said Rushbond hopes to progress with repairing the damage “as soon as practically possible.”

“We will provide a more detailed update as soon as we have a clearer understanding of what’s happened and have fully assessed the extent of the damage,” he said.

The building, which has a stunning 21m diameter dome, originally opened in the 1920s as a 2,400 seat cinema with a basement restaurant and closed in 1969.

After a period as a bingo hall it opened as the Majestyk nightclub which closed in 2006.