PRIMARK VOWS THE RENOVATION WILL BE ‘CONSERVATION-LED’
PRIMARK has said it is working to preserve as much of its fire-damaged central Belfast store as possible.
The historic Bank Buildings was gutted by a major blaze in August.
A safety cordon has been put in place around the building, which is deemed dangerous and at risk of collapse. It is expected to remain until December.
Primark said yesterday that it was working with stakeholders to investigate the required legal and planning processes ahead of starting work on the site.
A spokesperson said: “Bank Buildings is a listed building of historical significance to Belfast.
“We are committed to a conservation-led approach to works on the building to preserve as much of the original building as possible.
“Primark is submitting a listed building consent application this week. This application is legally required before we can carry out any work on Bank Buildings.”
The cordon has caused major disruption to one of the city’s busiest shopping areas.
Fourteen businesses, including three of the city’s biggest retailers and Primark, are within the cordon and have not been able to trade since the fire.
Businesses immediately outside the cordon have also complained of a drop in footfall.
Primark said it was working to resolve the issue, adding: “Primark and Belfast City Council have also been focused on finding a way to reduce the cordon and open up the Castle Place junction as soon as possible. We
are in ongoing dialogue and hope to have a solution soon.”
Belfast City Council said it will assess the listed building consent application.
It will formally engage stakeholders — the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division and the Department for Infrastructure — with 21 days to seek submissions.
After receiving and assessing submissions, it will put together a report with a recommendation that will then go to the council’s planning committee for a decision.
Yesterday, one affected business owner called for the building to be torn down and the area around it pedestrianised.
Chris Scott from West sandwich deli said it was causing more problems than the Troubles. He told the Stephen Nolan Show: “Buildings were blown up yet people the next day or two were walking past them. We need to get people back on the streets of Belfast.”
Mr Scott has one shop within the cordon and another just outside on Castle Street.
He said trade was down by over 50% and, while they were working to “tighten their belts”, it was “just a matter of time” before they faced total closure.
“Businesses will struggle to cope for four weeks never mind the four months,” he said.
Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said the council’s strategic policy and resources committee will meet today.
It has been given the power by the council to work out how to spend a £1.2m fund to support business as well as a £500,000 donation from Primark without the need to bring the matter to the full council in the hope of sp eeding up the process.
The Lord Mayor said that she understood the frustration of traders inside and around the cordon but public safety had to be the priority.