Menu
22/10/2018
Primark Plans Likely To Get Council's Green Light
Plans to begin dismantling part of the burnt Primark buildings are likely to be given the green light in the coming days, as planning officers have recommended that Belfast City Council approves the work.
The decision must be ratified on Friday when the council's planning committee meets.
The application involves taking down, recording and assessing the structure above the fourth floor, including the six chimneys which are the most unstable part of the remaining Bank Buildings.
The move, if approved by City Hall, could "make it possible to shrink part of the cordon and restore pedestrian access between Royal Avenue and Donegall Place".
The historic home of Primark was destroyed in a major blaze in August. It is understood the work would allow further plans to kick-in, to make the rest of the building safe for construction.
Since the fire, businesses in the area have suffered due to the safety cordon and footfall in Belfast City Centre has slumped by a third.
Councillor Matt Garnett, chairman of the Council's Planning Committee, said they have been "working tirelessly with Primark to find a way forward" and have committed to do everything "to restore the city centre to the very vibrant place we know it to be".
"We recognise the urgency for businesses, both inside and outside the cordon, to ensure their economic resilience in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. As such, Council has stated in its conditions of consent that it expects Primark to begin works as soon as practically possible," Mr Garnett added.
"While the cordon is absolutely necessary to ensure the health and safety of the public, we are conscious of the significant impact it is having on trade, and so we will continue to work with Primark to move forward and ensure the required works are completed as soon as possible."
(JG/MH)
The decision must be ratified on Friday when the council's planning committee meets.
The application involves taking down, recording and assessing the structure above the fourth floor, including the six chimneys which are the most unstable part of the remaining Bank Buildings.
The move, if approved by City Hall, could "make it possible to shrink part of the cordon and restore pedestrian access between Royal Avenue and Donegall Place".
The historic home of Primark was destroyed in a major blaze in August. It is understood the work would allow further plans to kick-in, to make the rest of the building safe for construction.
Since the fire, businesses in the area have suffered due to the safety cordon and footfall in Belfast City Centre has slumped by a third.
Councillor Matt Garnett, chairman of the Council's Planning Committee, said they have been "working tirelessly with Primark to find a way forward" and have committed to do everything "to restore the city centre to the very vibrant place we know it to be".
"We recognise the urgency for businesses, both inside and outside the cordon, to ensure their economic resilience in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. As such, Council has stated in its conditions of consent that it expects Primark to begin works as soon as practically possible," Mr Garnett added.
"While the cordon is absolutely necessary to ensure the health and safety of the public, we are conscious of the significant impact it is having on trade, and so we will continue to work with Primark to move forward and ensure the required works are completed as soon as possible."
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2018
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
21 September 2018
Belfast City Council Awards £1.25m To Boost City Centre
Belfast City Council has approved plans to award £1.25 million of funding for Belfast City Centre in the aftermath of the Primark fire. The move follows Primark's announcement earlier this week that it is to donate £500,000 to Council's wider city recovery investment programme to help businesses affected by the fire.
Belfast City Council Awards £1.25m To Boost City Centre
Belfast City Council has approved plans to award £1.25 million of funding for Belfast City Centre in the aftermath of the Primark fire. The move follows Primark's announcement earlier this week that it is to donate £500,000 to Council's wider city recovery investment programme to help businesses affected by the fire.
01 November 2022
Primark Officially Reopens Flagship Bank Building Store
Primark has officially reopened its flagship store in Belfast's Bank Building following an investment of £100 million.
Primark Officially Reopens Flagship Bank Building Store
Primark has officially reopened its flagship store in Belfast's Bank Building following an investment of £100 million.
26 October 2018
Primark To Open New Belfast Store
Primark has announced it is planning to open a store in Belfast city centre later this year. The retailer has said it will open in Commonwealth House on Castle Street in December. It comes after the company was granted permission to commence work on the badly damaged Bank Buildings in Belfast.
Primark To Open New Belfast Store
Primark has announced it is planning to open a store in Belfast city centre later this year. The retailer has said it will open in Commonwealth House on Castle Street in December. It comes after the company was granted permission to commence work on the badly damaged Bank Buildings in Belfast.
14 September 2010
Lottery 'Win' Boosts NI Planning
Four consortiums have been awarded Lottery grants to run and learn from pilot contracts to help NI communities work together to build a better future for local people.
Lottery 'Win' Boosts NI Planning
Four consortiums have been awarded Lottery grants to run and learn from pilot contracts to help NI communities work together to build a better future for local people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
