More than 50 firefighters were called after fire broke out at a former newspaper office yesterday afternoon.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the former Reading Post printworks on Tessa Road, Reading after flames were seen rising from the empty site, Reading Today reported.

Crews were sent from a number of neighbouring towns including Newbury, Wokingham, Bracknell and Maidenhead, supported by teams from Oxfordshire fire service.

As previously reported on HTFP, the disused building was in the process of being transformed into a food and music venue, with planning permission having been granted in November.

Fire crews attend the scene at the former Reading Post offices. Picture Phil Creighton of Reading Today.

Police closed roads around the site to allow emergency crews to tackle the fire from all sides while an aerial ladder platform was installed in Tessa Road to allow the flames to be doused from the sky.

Another team entered the building – known affectionately by former Post staff as Tessa Towers – and were seen spraying water on the fire from a fire exit that once led off from the boardroom.

In a statement, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 3.22pm on Thursday, 22 February, we received reports of a fire on Tessa Road in Reading.

“Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Newbury, Wokingham, Mortimer, Bracknell, Maidenhead and Theale fire stations were sent to the scene alongside an aerial ladder platform, four officers and crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

“Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire in a derelict warehouse.”

“At its peak, over 50 firefighters were on the scene. They used two main jets, a hose reel and the Aerial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire. Thank you to everyone for their patience while this incident was dealt with.”

Developers the Curate Group are hoping to transform the site into a music venue and food market.

The proposed venue will feature food and drink stalls and an events space for live music performances, DJs, live bands and sporting events. It will also be available for private hire events such as TV filming and brand and product launches.