Shops within cordon welcome rates review
NEIGHBOURING retailers affected by the fire that engulfed a landmark building in Belfast city centre have welcomed news that their rates will be reviewed by the authorities.
Fourteen businesses are within the cordoned area, as emergency services continue to assess the structural stability of the Bank Buildings, home to the Primark store.
Owners of the affected businesses attended a Belfast City Council meeting on Thursday with Land & Property Services (LPS) for an update on rates advice.
The Department of Finance said: “As these premises are currently inaccessible and inoperable the LPS district valuer will review the net annual value assessment on each of these properties as a matter of urgency.
“LPS will also liaise with these ratepayers directly in regards to their resultant rate liability.
“LPS remains willing to discuss extended payment arrangements with the affected businesses.
“Ratepayers may also be eligible for the hardship relief scheme. This relief is intended to assist businesses who meet the specific conditions to recover from a temporary crisis, financial or otherwise, as a result of exceptional circumstances.”
Spar on Royal Avenue, across the road from Primark, is one of the businesses.
The shop’s annual rates bill comes in at £42,919.57.
Spar said: “We welcome today’s announcement that LPS intends to review rates for the 14 premises affected by the Belfast fire as a matter of urgency. This remains a developing situation and it is still not clear what the outcome of this review will be, but it is encouraging that the council and other agencies recognise the knock-on effect the fire has had on neighbouring businesses.
“While we are grateful that no one was injured during the blaze, this has been a distressing time for all connected with the store.
“We are hopeful that we can begin trading again as soon as possible and would urge the council to ensure every effort is made to support business owners and employees in the weeks and months ahead.”
Meanwhile, Abacus Beads on Castle Street has a rates bill that currently stands at £2,983.
Although Abacus was unavailable for comment, in a Facebook post yesterday afternoon owner Kathleen McGovern said that the store could be closed for a considerable time.
The post said: “Our part of Castle Street could be closed off for three months so I’m looking for premises to open a temporary pop-up shop.
“It’ll definitely still be in the city centre and hopefully very close to Castle Street... Watch this space.”
LPS also stated that it is too early to review the rates of businesses outside the cordon which may have been impacted by the fire.
Belfast City Council’s strategic policy and resources committee said: “Belfast City Council continues to intensify its efforts to do all it can to assist in the recovery operation and keep Belfast city centre open for business.
“The strategic policy and resources committee alongside other agencies today (Friday, August 31) resolved to ensure that council continues its efforts to restore the city to the very vibrant place that it is.
“Belfast City Council will continue to host meetings for key holders and businesses to provide information and support in the days ahead.”