in 2001–2003 were often held at the warehouses. In 2004 and 2005 they hosted Perv Park, Helsinki's biggest BDSM convention. By the mid-2000s, the warehouses had been under a threat of demolition for almost a decade to make way for a new Helsinki Music Centre concert hall. In early 2006, a decision was finally made to construct the Music Hall on the site, preserving only a small section of the warehouses for use as a pavilion-type cafe within the park surrounding the concert hall. May 2006 fires In the aftermath of the riots on 1 May 2006, a group of young people decided to set up bonfires between the warehouses. The fire almost got to the warehouses, and when the fire department tried to put it out, they were attacked by a group of people. Riot police were dispatched to protect the firemen, and they also had stones thrown at them. On Friday 5 May 2006, the older southern warehouse was badly damaged by a blazing fire. The building was totally gutted as the fire left just the brick walls standing. The fire drew in large crowds during a pleasant sunny evening. It was widely believed at first that the fire was a case of arson. However, police concluded in July 2006 that it had been accidental, caused either by a firework or a discarded cigarette that smouldered for several hours before suddenly breaking out across a large part of the building. Demolition The demolition work began as planned on 8 May 2006 with forensic examination still going on at the site. A small section at the end of the southern warehouse damaged by the fire was planned to be preserved and used as a pavilion-like cafe extension to the concert hall. This viewpoint was contrary, however, to many people's wishes to preserve the warehouses in their entirety due to their perceived historical and communal value. However, in August 2006, the Finnish police mistakenly ordered the demolition of the protected section. References Literature External links Helsingin Sanomat International Edition: Riot police battle crowds throwing stones and lighting fires on May Day Eve NewsRoom Finland: Finnish Railways warehouses in central Helsinki ravaged by fire Webcam showing how the site is gradually being replaced by the Music Centre Buildings and structures in Helsinki Warehouses 2006 in Finland Kluuvi Buildings and structures demolished in 2006 Demolished buildings and structures in Finland