Retailers try to remain upbeat amid fears for trade in Belfast
BUSINESS leaders have insisted that Belfast is open for business after emergency meetings were held in City Hall yesterday to deal with the aftermath of the Primark fire.
However, more than 20 retailers remained shut in the city centre yesterday as fire crews continued efforts to make the shell of the burnt out Bank Buildings safe.
Land and Property Services (LPS) have said there may be financial help for affected businesses.
This includes possible rates relief for premises damaged by smoke or loss of trade, flexible payments and help from the hardship relief scheme.
Tesco Metro, HMV, Gap, McDonald’s, Kelly’s Cellars and the Mourne Seafood Bar were among the normally busy traders forced to close.
Many firms kept in touch with their customers on social media but were unable to provide certainty as to when they could return.
Kelly’s Cellars manager Kieran Uprichard (30) was among 10 representatives from businesses that attended an emergency meeting hosted by Belfast City Council yesterday.
“Everyone’s still really unsure about the integrity of the Bank Buildings,” he said.
“They can’t really do anything until that’s secured.
“There is talk of reducing the cordon down the alleyway that leads to us, so hopefully we will be able to open again soon.”
Mr Uprichard said he and the owners had a sleepless night on Tuesday as Kelly’s
Cellar’s is connected by a wall to the large extension to the rear of the Bank Buildings.
“We were wrecked with nerves, we didn’t know if the fire had spread,” he said.
Mr Uprichard said the focus from the council was still firmly on safety, rather than any financial support for businesses losing trade.
“The other businesses feel more for the Primark staff because they’re definitely out of a job.
“But their own workers aren’t in and no one really knows when they’ll be allowed back. There’s going to be a longer knock-on effect over the next couple of weeks, with a derelict building beside us and restricted access.
“Our staff are all on standby and ready to go.
“We’re covering their wages for the next couple of days, so they won’t lose out. “They were definitely worried overnight about their jobs but they’re feeling more for the Primark staff, many of whom would have come to Kelly’s after their shift.”
Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey (left) said it was “vital” the council and its partners supported everyone affected. “Not only has this impacted on the Primark employees and the business itself, but it will have a knock-on effect for neighbouring businesses and city cen- tre retailers. They will need our support over the coming weeks and months,” she said.
“As a city, we all need to rally round those who need support now.”
The Lord Mayor said the council would be liaising with Primark to assist if they wished to seek alternative accommodation within the city centre.
There are also plans to reschedule a street fair on Castle Street this evening, with hopes it can increase footfall in the area once again.
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts welcomed yesterday’s meeting with the council and emergency services.
“The key message following this meeting is that despite this tragedy, Belfast city centre is still open for business and that it will bounce back from this,” he said.
“We welcome the LPS announcement that they are encouraging impacted traders to apply for the rates hardship fund.
“Belfast has a fantastic retail offer and we have no doubt will go from strength-to-strength following this fire”.
Rajesh Rana (left), president of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce agreed the focus should be on helping businesses.
“Belfast Chamber is working to collate a list of alternative vacant premises in the city that traders can relocate to on a temporary basis,” she said.
“We will also be liaising with Land and Property Services to negotiate rates exemption for businesses that fall within the cordon as they will be unable to trade, and we will provide guidance and practical support to traders on how to claim rates relief.
“I wish to emphasise the overarching message is that the city centre remains open for business.
“Belfast remains a great place to visit.
“We encourage shoppers and tourists to keep coming to our capital city.”
Further information on the hardship relief scheme — including eligibility and support — is available at: www. nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/hardship-relief. Land and Property Services can also be contacted for further advice at 0300 200 7801