Southgate building earmarked for new special needs school goes up in flames

There were no reports of any injuries but the building was very badly damaged

An empty building that was being earmarked for a potential new special needs school in Southgate was badly damaged by fire last night (Sunday 5th).

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to the blaze at Addison House in Addison Avenue, responding to the first of 50 emergency calls at 6.40pm.

While the roof of the building was destroyed, there were no reports of any injuries. The fire was under control by 10.07pm.

Station commander Will Thompson, who was at the scene, said: “The fire produced smoke that affected the local area, and residents nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors closed where possible.

“One of the brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was deployed as a water tower, allowing crews to tackle the flames from above.”

Addison House was previously used as a behaviour support service by Enfield Council, before being closed in 2021.

It was later earmarked by the council as a potential site for a 48-place secondary school for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). Although the scheme ultimately failed to win government backing, the council resolved earlier this year to develop a scheme using civic capital funds instead.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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