Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CENTRE WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES
Council vow to firms hit by Primark blaze
BELFAST’S vibrant centre will be restored after the devastating Primark fire, it was promised yesterday.
Issuing an update just over a week after the blaze which destroyed the Bank Buildings, the City Council also promised to help the businesses affected.
Fourteen companies remain within the safety exclusion zone and will be closed for a minimum of four months.
Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said the council would be implementing a range of measures to help businesses who are struggling in the current situation.
She added: “Belfast City Council continues to work with its city partners to look at ways we can revive this part of the city centre in the wake of the fire and the ongoing recovery operation.
“While it is imperative that the safety cordon remains, we recognise it is having a serious impact – not just on the traders within the cordon, but for those in the immediate area who are suffering due to a reduction in footfall.”
The council also said engineers will be assessing the site before drawing up a plan for the next steps which could include building a bracing solution to secure Bank Buildings. Only then will it be possible to determine if the facade can be saved.
There will be no through access for pedestrians down Royal Avenue while the cordon remains and tomorrow the council will start to erect signage to help people navigate around the city. Ms Hargey said: “In the coming days and weeks, we will be implementing a range of measures to help businesses who are struggling in the current situation.
“Alongside the group meetings, the council has continued to hold one-toone meetings with businesses affected to understand all of the issues.”
As well as erecting signage to encourage and direct footfall, the council along with other agencies and Government departments are working together to find alternative premises for businesses and arranging initiatives for affected traders to provide advice in respect of rates and employability.
Belfast City Council and its partners are also planning a campaign aimed at sustaining visitors to the city and supporting retailers to run over the next four months.
Ms Hargey added: “We will be doing everything we can to restore the city to the very vibrant place that it is, and, it is vital that as a city, we continue to rally round to support those affected by this event both directly and indirectly.”