Fire destroys historic Whanganui building

Victoria Ave in Whanganui has re-opened following a fire which destroyed a historic Whanganui building on Monday morning.

Fire investigators and police are still on site and the property at 256 Victoria Ave is still cordoned off.

Little more than a facade remains after fire gutted the two-storey building about 3am.

A nearby resident said he and his wife were woken shortly after 3am.

"It was well alight - a big fire for sure."

The building has been unoccupied for some years and it was thought nobody was inside after the fire started.

"It certainly looks suspicious. How can a fire start if the building was empty?"

Video: Richmond Campbell