Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
City now facing worst threat since Troubles
Hospitality chief’s warning over Primark fire
BELFAST is facing its biggest threat since the Troubles due to the Primark fire, it has been claimed.
Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill said people did not realise how serious the situation was since the Bank Buildings blaze last month.
He warned: “There are people who can’t even put food on the table.”
He was speaking after his organisation, along with Belfast Chamber of Commerce and Retail NI, asked Secretary of State Karen Bradley for a Treasury rescue package at a meeting yesterday.
Mr Neill added: “It can take two or three months to get an insurance claim and what do they do in the meantime?
“In the longer term the ones inside the cordon are better off than those outside.
“They will get an insurance claim, but for those inside how do you prove the business drop-off ?
“To the small guy this is bigger than what Primark are suffering – it’s the difference between life and death.
“Footfall is down 70% or 80% and we have lost part of the attraction as Primark is a big draw to the city.
“Primark can come back from this but we could lose all the small businesses – they can’t come back after they go bust. It’s probably the biggest threat to Belfast since the Troubles.”
It is feared the knock-on effect of the blaze could seriously undermine the commercial viability of the city and put thousands of jobs and dozens of businesses at risk.
After yesterday’s visit, the Secretary of State said: “It was an honour to meet some of the brave firefighters who worked so hard to contain the blaze and ensure there was no further risk to life or other properties.”
Mrs Bradley added she was “humbled to witness first-hand the devastation” and “hear from local businesses both inside and outside the cordon”.
She said: “It is vital the city centre returns to full operation as quickly as possible and all the businesses get back up and running. “I listened to the concerns of
those
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affected, including if the absence of an Executive is causing a delay in releasing funding, and made a firm commitment to work with all the appropriate local agencies on solutions to the issues raised.”
Fourteen businesses are in the no-go zone around Primark’s Bank Buildings, but many outside the cordon have also been badly hit.
Mr Neill revealed the ripple effect is as far reaching as Royal Exchange.
He praised the free shuttle bus and signs that have gone up to re-route shoppers.
But he added ultimately it’s a city centre with “four cul-de-sacs in it” and people are going to shop elsewhere.
Mr Neill said a quick decision was needed on the future of the grade two listed building.
Belfast City Council, Translink and local firms have launched a number of measures to support businesses and entice people back into the city centre.
They include a free Belfast bus, cheaper parking, rates and insurance advice.
A city recovery planning group has also been launched, while the council is due to reveal the details of its #Yourbelfast campaign this week.