Firefighters are battling a blaze at an arts, music and comedy venue and community centre, which has seen the town’s high street cordoned off.
Smoke could be seen coming from part of the Alexander Centre in Faversham and billowing across the town centre this afternoon.
The fire broke out in the roof of the Gatefield Hall in the Alexander Centre, which is located at the rear of the building and is used to host gigs and shows.
Fire crews were called to the scene shortly after 2pm and police taped off the area along Preston Street and the surrounding areas.
“Control operators have sent nine fire engines and a height vehicle to the property, where crews wearing breathing apparatus are making steady progress,” a fire service spokesperson said.
“The technical rescue unit is also in attendance.
“No injuries have been reported, and the cause is not yet known.
“People living or working in the area are still advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution, due to smoke coming from the incident.”
Resident and writer Terry Hope, who regularly visits the centre, says he saw the moment the fire took hold.
He told KentOnline: “There was a lot of smoke coming from the roof and it got worse, so we called the fire brigade who turned up pretty quickly.
“It’s the auditorium which is used for productions and has things on pretty much every night of the week – comedy nights, local productions and they have craft fairs and Christmas fairs there as well.
“[The Alex] is the heart of the town, it’s one of the most important buildings in the town and puts on so much as well. It’s a disaster if it’s been lost.”
Alexander Centre bosses issued a statement confirming a fire broke out in the roof of the Gatefield Hall.
“Thankfully, no one was in the building and no one has been harmed,” they said.
“We will issue further updates once we have more information. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.”
A witness earlier told KentOnline how people’s main concern was whether anyone was inside the building when they saw the smoke in the area.
“The fire crew came extremely quickly, but people were clearly concerned,” they said.
“Lots of people were coughing because it wasn’t possible to walk through town and avoid it, many covering their faces with scarves.”
Faversham mayor Cllr Josh Rowlands described the venue as one of the “best-loved” in the town.
“I’m glad to hear no one was hurt, but as a community, I’m sure we will come together to support The Alex and its team when it’s clear what damage has been done,” he said.
It comes a short time after a blaze devastated a historic waterfront waterhouse at Standard Quay, which completely destroyed the listed building and businesses.
Town councillor Hannah Perkin said: “It’s devastating to see another fire in one of our iconic buildings.
“Huge thanks to the fire brigade and everyone who is helping.
“My thoughts are with the staff and volunteer teams that use the centre at what must be a really distressing time.”
Faversham’s MP Helen Whately says the fire in the heart of the town is “absolutely awful news” and described the Alexander Centre as a “community treasure”.
“Thank you to all the firefighters who’ve been on the scene battling the blaze today,” she said.
More on this breaking news story as we get it.
