Arson charge after $3m North Adelaide building fire damages iconic hotel

A man has been charged over a fire inside an iconic North Adelaide building that caused an estimated $3m in damage.

Fire at North Adelaide’s iconic Oxford Hotel Saturday 27th July 2024 Picture: 7NEWS

A man has been charged over a suspicious fire that ripped through an iconic North Adelaide building.

The 37-year-old man has been charged with arson and will appear in court on Monday after Eastern District detectives arrested him about 5.30pm Saturday – less than 12 hours after the fire started in the heritage-listed building next to the Oxford Hotel.

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the building – co-owned by prominent businessman Walter Ventura – about 7am Saturday when smoke was seen billowing from the roof area.

The property that was previously an NAB building then a wine bar called The Bank was targeted during a violent rampage two weeks ago.

The fire caused an estimated $3m damage.

The O’Connell St building was extensively damaged.

Police on Sunday said the 37-year-old man was charged with arson, and did not apply for bail.

He is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.