PRIMARK WORKERS PAID TO END OF YEAR
+ SPECIAL REPORT ON WHY IT’S VITAL BELFAST SAVES ICONIC BUILDING
STRUCTURAL specialists are continuing to assess whether Primark’s fire-ravaged building in Belfast city centre can be saved.
Belfast City Council has confirmed that a dangerous structures notice has been served on what remains of Bank Buildings.
Ten days on from the devastating blaze, examinations by both Primark and independent professionals are ongoing at the site.
Speaking after she met with Primark yesterday, Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey warned that there will be no quick fix.
“The building is in a very dangerous condition,” she said. “There remains a very serious risk to the livelihoods of those working and trading nearby.
“Whatever solution is determined, including the option of demolition, will require a complex engineering operation.”
Primark said all options are being explored for the future of the structure.
“The priority was to remove elements that posed an immediate risk to public safety,” read its statement. “These specialist teams continue to survey the building to determine its structural integrity and to inform the best next steps to reduce the cordon restrictions.”
The retailer did confirm yesterday that it is actively working to relocate all 300 of its city centre employees in its nearest outlets in Newtownabbey, Lisburn and Newtownards by September 17.
Primark said that even if relocation is not feasible, all Bank Buildings workers will be paid until December 31. However, it is likely that the retailer will have secured another city centre unit by that stage.
Belfast City Council said a list of vacant properties that could be used for possible relocation has been drawn up, and a facility for temporary office accommodation at various locations has been offered to businesses.
A total of 14 business premises inside the safety cordon around Bank Buildings remain closed. On Thursday they were informed that it could be at least four months before the cordon is lifted.
The council said it will begin assisting the 14 businesses in accessing their premises from next week on a case-by-case basis, but warned it would depend on “locations, risk assessments and legal waivers”.
A city recovery planning group has also been set up to co-ordinate the response to the fire.
Mayor Hargey warned that the impact will be felt for many months to come.
“Land and Property Services has issued businesses with updated advice regarding rates and Department for Communities are offering assistance and advice regarding benefits and employment for affected employees,” she said. “PricewaterhouseCoopers has offered help and advice on issues such as insurance and business interruption.”
A dedicated phone line has been set up (028 9027 0483).
Speaking after meeting with the council and Primark yesterday, the president of Belfast Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Rana called for “a temporary pedestrian structure to allow movement” through the area.
He said keeping the cordon in place during the lead-up to Christmas will have “devastating consequences” for the whole city.
It followed claims from some traders located near the cordon that their footfall had been slashed by up to 90%.
Belfast City Council said a new campaign is “urgently” being developed with Visit Belfast, Belfast One and others. New signage designed to encourage and direct footfall around the cordon and wider city centre is also due to be fully in place by Tuesday.
A number of other initiatives were also unveiled yesterday.
Translink has said it will introduce a new free Belfast city centre shuttle service from today to make it easier to access city centre shops and entertainment outlets while the safety cordon remains in place.
Running every 10 minutes on Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sunday, the service will connect St Georges Market, City Hall and Royal Avenue with a new stop in North Street.
Castlecourt has also announced a plan to cut its car parking charges to £1 per hour for every Saturday and Sunday during September.
“Our message is that despite the current hardships facing not only our 100 tenants in Castlecourt but the surrounding streets, Belfast remains open for business,” said spokesperson Binder Tohani.
“Castlecourt has and will continue to support displaced retailers, by facilitating meetings and offering alternative retail options.”