10/12/2018
Primark Reopens In Belfast City Centre
Hundreds of shoppers flocked to the new Primark store in Belfast City Centre on Saturday 08 December, three months after a major fire destroyed the original store.
The area was left devastated following the blaze at the Historic Bank Buildings on 28 August which resulted in a safety cordon around the ruins.
While some retailers in the surrounding area remained closed, others struggled to survive due to lower footfall, which is estimated to have fallen by 60% with Castle Street among the worst affected.
From early on Saturday morning, hopeful shoppers queued in the area waiting for the new store to open.
It is based at Commonwealth House, the new extension that was built onto the back of the original store which remains intact.
Primark estimated that around 1,100 shoppers came early in anticipation of the re-opening, based on the number of bags and freebies that staff handed out.
In a statement, the retailer said it had delivered on its commitment of resuming trade in Belfast city centre as quickly as possible following the fire. It also plans to open a second store in the city on Donegall Place next Spring.
Speaking at the opening on Saturday, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd said the event marked a "significant milestone for our people, our neighbours and the wider community of Belfast".
"We are confident that our store and newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas," he added.
(JG)
The area was left devastated following the blaze at the Historic Bank Buildings on 28 August which resulted in a safety cordon around the ruins.
While some retailers in the surrounding area remained closed, others struggled to survive due to lower footfall, which is estimated to have fallen by 60% with Castle Street among the worst affected.
From early on Saturday morning, hopeful shoppers queued in the area waiting for the new store to open.
It is based at Commonwealth House, the new extension that was built onto the back of the original store which remains intact.
Primark estimated that around 1,100 shoppers came early in anticipation of the re-opening, based on the number of bags and freebies that staff handed out.
In a statement, the retailer said it had delivered on its commitment of resuming trade in Belfast city centre as quickly as possible following the fire. It also plans to open a second store in the city on Donegall Place next Spring.
Speaking at the opening on Saturday, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd said the event marked a "significant milestone for our people, our neighbours and the wider community of Belfast".
"We are confident that our store and newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas," he added.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 August 2018
Major Fire At Belfast's Primark Store
Update: Police have now closed Royal Avenue in Belfast City Centre as Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service continue to try and bring the fire under control. Video footage from the scene reveals that fire appears to be on the roof of the building. There are no reports of any injuries and the public are being encouraged to avoid the area.
Major Fire At Belfast's Primark Store
Update: Police have now closed Royal Avenue in Belfast City Centre as Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service continue to try and bring the fire under control. Video footage from the scene reveals that fire appears to be on the roof of the building. There are no reports of any injuries and the public are being encouraged to avoid the area.
06 November 2018
Primark Announces Reopening Date For Belfast Store
Primark has revealed it will reopen its Belfast store on 08 December. The retailer will open the extension at the back of Bank Buildings for business, following the devastating blaze in August. A company spokesperson also confirmed plans for a new store in Fountain House, the current home of New Look. It is planned to open in Spring 2019.
Primark Announces Reopening Date For Belfast Store
Primark has revealed it will reopen its Belfast store on 08 December. The retailer will open the extension at the back of Bank Buildings for business, following the devastating blaze in August. A company spokesperson also confirmed plans for a new store in Fountain House, the current home of New Look. It is planned to open in Spring 2019.
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.
10 August 2022
Primark To Reopen Flagship Belfast Store In November
Primark has announced that their flagship Belfast store at the Bank Buildings in the city centre will re-open in November, four years after the city centre building was gutted in a fire. The clothing retailer has said that the building has undergone extensive rebuilding and restoration work.
Primark To Reopen Flagship Belfast Store In November
Primark has announced that their flagship Belfast store at the Bank Buildings in the city centre will re-open in November, four years after the city centre building was gutted in a fire. The clothing retailer has said that the building has undergone extensive rebuilding and restoration work.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
