Primark considering two possible locations in city centre for store

PRIMARK has identified two potential locations for a new store in Belfast after the company’s previous city centre premises were destroyed by a fire last month.

A company spokesperson said the group is currently involved in talks about buying Fountain House in Donegall Place.

The property is currently occupied by a New Look store but building owner M&G Property Portfolio is understood to be willing to sell the building for close to £15m.

New Look is only renting the building, and could be forced to vacate it if it is sold. Following a Company Voluntary Arrangement, it agreed to reduce rental costs.

Primark is also exploring the possibility of trading from Commonwealth House in Castle Street, situated next to its destroyed Bank Buildings premises.

The retail giant bought the building with plans to use it to extend its city centre store.

“Following the devastating fire at Bank Buildings, it has always been Primark’s intention to be back up and trading in Belfast as soon as possible, whilst also doing everything we can to support the wider business community in the city,” a Primark spokesperson said.

“We have been working hard to identify suitable premises and can confirm that we are currently involved in commercial discussions in relation to Fountain House, Donegall Place.

“We are also still assessing the possibility of trading from Commonwealth House, Castle Street. We will share further details as soon as possible.”

Belfast’s historic Bank Buildings were ravaged in the August 28 fire which destroyed the roof and multiple floors.

Nobody was hurt in the fire and 1,500 people were safely evacuated from the building.

Attempts to save the facade of the building are ongoing and a cordon set up around the area is set to remain in place for four months.

The devastating blaze in the heart of the city has forced 14 businesses to shut within the safety exclusion zone as work continues on determining what to do with the gutted shell of the building.

Primark has committed £500,000 to help Belfast’s city centre economy while Belfast City Council pledged £1.25m.