The community has come together to mourn a historic rock and metal venue that brought ‘life and soul’ to Southampton, as demolition of the venue is almost complete.

Firehouse on Vincents Walk was a home for fans of the genres for over 17 years but closed January 1, 2024 after one last party on New Years Eve.

Before that, the building was the Warrens Pub with an alcoholic legacy dating back to the early 1970s.

In 2019, plans were submitted that threatened to knock down the venue and build 139 studios flats in its place.

Despite 1,100 people signing a petition to save the venue in the space of just 24 hours, the plans were approved and the last mast of the building is being knocked down today.

Tributes to the old music venue poured in on social media, with former patrons like Gavin Wakefield-Smith recounting how they ‘made and lost so many friends’ over 20 years in the building.

The building will be replaced by a block of 139 studio flats.The building will be replaced by a block of 139 studio flats. (Image: Newsquest) On Facebook, Gavin said: “So many good and bad memories. Shame it’s gone and shame most people went with it.”

Willow Birch claimed that with the building demolished, the ‘life and soul’ of Southampton centre is ‘gone.’

READ MORE: Demolition underway at beloved Firehouse rock and metal pub

The building also spent time as Strikers, Parkside Tavern and Boogie's over the years, and the venue’s rich history even impacted those who did not ever go there.

Stella Pring never set foot inside the building herself, but her late husband Stewart Pring ‘used to love’ going there due to his admiration for rock music.

The Firehouse venue before demolition started.The Firehouse venue before demolition started. (Image: NQ) “I’m a bit sad to see it go because of the memories, knowing my late husband used to go in there,” Stella said.

Many say that there is nowhere left in the city centre for rock and metal fans now that Firehouse is gone.

READ MORE: The Firehouse pub in Southampton is set to close

Samster Guppy said there is nowhere else like it now, claiming that it had an 'atmosphere that nowhere else has.'

She also said that their signature 'dirty Vimto' drink - a 'dangerous' mix of vodka, Buckfast tonic wine and blue ice energy drink.

The block of studio flats taking its place also comes with a gym, study area and laundry room.

There is an existing block of student accommodation a few doors down from the old Firehouse building – Student Roost’s Vincent Place.