Menu
22/08/2019
Retail NI Welcomes Primark Progress
Almost a year since the iconic Bank Buildings that once housed Primark were destroyed by fire, Retail NI has welcomed the progress in rejuvenating the area.
Parts of the surrounding roads were cordoned off for months following the devastating blaze, with shops and restaurants closed. All businesses had reopened by mid June, with the exception of City Picnic on Castle Street. Pedestrian access between Donegall Place and Royal Avenue has also been fully restored, and the roads reopened to traffic.
Retail NI said the progress follows a challenging year for city centre traders, particularly those in Castle Street and within the cordon.
"This whole crisis has shown just how resilient city centre traders really are," Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said.
"We are making solid progress in restoring that part of the City Centre, but we must go further and faster.
"While the fire was a terrible tragedy, the one positive from it was that it has turbo charged a new debate amongst consumers, traders and political leaders about what type of City Centre we want for the future."
Retail NI also called for a "bold, radical and new vision" to be harnessed for 21st Century Belfast City Centre.
Mr Roberts continued: "Looking to the future it has to be more inclusive, accessible and more family-friendly for shoppers and tourists. Retail NI is very ambitious for Belfast and we believe that a 21st Century city centre can be created with a dynamic retail and hospitality offer.
"Above all else, it also needs to be a fun place for families to visit and enjoy.
"Retail NI is ambitious for Belfast and with the right level of support and an enabling policy framework, the city could become one of the UK and Ireland's top retail destinations.
"In our discussions with Government, Retail NI will continue to lobby for a wider City Rejuvenation Fund to make this radical new vision a reality."
(JG/CM)
Parts of the surrounding roads were cordoned off for months following the devastating blaze, with shops and restaurants closed. All businesses had reopened by mid June, with the exception of City Picnic on Castle Street. Pedestrian access between Donegall Place and Royal Avenue has also been fully restored, and the roads reopened to traffic.
Retail NI said the progress follows a challenging year for city centre traders, particularly those in Castle Street and within the cordon.
"This whole crisis has shown just how resilient city centre traders really are," Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said.
"We are making solid progress in restoring that part of the City Centre, but we must go further and faster.
"While the fire was a terrible tragedy, the one positive from it was that it has turbo charged a new debate amongst consumers, traders and political leaders about what type of City Centre we want for the future."
Retail NI also called for a "bold, radical and new vision" to be harnessed for 21st Century Belfast City Centre.
Mr Roberts continued: "Looking to the future it has to be more inclusive, accessible and more family-friendly for shoppers and tourists. Retail NI is very ambitious for Belfast and we believe that a 21st Century city centre can be created with a dynamic retail and hospitality offer.
"Above all else, it also needs to be a fun place for families to visit and enjoy.
"Retail NI is ambitious for Belfast and with the right level of support and an enabling policy framework, the city could become one of the UK and Ireland's top retail destinations.
"In our discussions with Government, Retail NI will continue to lobby for a wider City Rejuvenation Fund to make this radical new vision a reality."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2018
Council Intensify Efforts To Keep City Centre Open For Business
Belfast City Council has said that it "continues to intensify its efforts to do all it can" to assist in the recovery operation and keep Belfast city centre open for business following the fire at Bank Building Primark store.
Council Intensify Efforts To Keep City Centre Open For Business
Belfast City Council has said that it "continues to intensify its efforts to do all it can" to assist in the recovery operation and keep Belfast city centre open for business following the fire at Bank Building Primark store.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
04 March 2019
Retail Experts To Hold Business Masterclass
Leading retail experts in customer experience, digital marketing and visual merchandising are set to share their knowledge and experience in a bid to help local retailers grow their businesses.
Retail Experts To Hold Business Masterclass
Leading retail experts in customer experience, digital marketing and visual merchandising are set to share their knowledge and experience in a bid to help local retailers grow their businesses.
18 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To City Recovery Programme
Primark has announced it will make a donation of £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a "gesture of goodwill". A statement issued by the retailer said: "Primark will be donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a gesture of goodwill.
Primark Donates £500,000 To City Recovery Programme
Primark has announced it will make a donation of £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a "gesture of goodwill". A statement issued by the retailer said: "Primark will be donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a gesture of goodwill.
04 October 2017
New Hotel Employment Academy Launches In Belfast
Belfast City Council has teamed up with two of the city's newest hotels – the Hastings Grand Central Hotel Belfast and the Dalata Hotel Group’s Maldron Hotel Belfast City, both of which are due to open next year – to launch a new Hotel Employment Academy.
New Hotel Employment Academy Launches In Belfast
Belfast City Council has teamed up with two of the city's newest hotels – the Hastings Grand Central Hotel Belfast and the Dalata Hotel Group’s Maldron Hotel Belfast City, both of which are due to open next year – to launch a new Hotel Employment Academy.
-
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.
