Firehouse, Southampton torn down as demolition nears end

Firehouse on Vincents Walk was a home for lovers of the genre for over 17 years, but closed on January 1, 2024 after a final farewell party.

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

Demolition of the historic pub began last month and has now almost finished.

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

READ MORE: Firehouse, Southampton: Community in mourning after demolition

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 masts of the building have now been taken down.

Almost 3,000 people in total backed the petition.

Some 1,100 people signed a petition to save the venue in the space of just 24 hours. (Image: Newsquest) Portsmouth Demolition tore the building down with an excavator.

Singer and songwriter Liredel called the venue a 'church' for rock and metal fans, saying the pub was her "second home for yonks".

Marc Sibley commented on Facebook: "It was great with the live bands on there but yes it had it's quiet spells.

"But put a live band in there and it was packed and jumping."

READ MORE: Firehouse, Southampton: Demolition of loved venue underway

Justin Harris said on social media that he feels there are not many decent-sized pubs left in Southampton city centre.

Firehouse closed January 1, 2024. (Image: NQ) Speaking on the Firehouse, he said it was "one of the few pubs" that could fit "any size band" in.

Justin said: "In almost 27 years of playing in a band, I think I can count on one hand the amount of times I played in venues in the City Centre.

"I think all those pubs are now long gone."

Chris Zardis argued that residents need to keep supporting remaining pubs, as he believes it is 'the only way' to keep surviving venues in business.