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10/12/2018
Primark Reopens In Belfast City Centre
Hundreds of shoppers flocked to the new Primark store in Belfast City Centre on Saturday 08 December, three months after a major fire destroyed the original store.
The area was left devastated following the blaze at the Historic Bank Buildings on 28 August which resulted in a safety cordon around the ruins.
While some retailers in the surrounding area remained closed, others struggled to survive due to lower footfall, which is estimated to have fallen by 60% with Castle Street among the worst affected.
From early on Saturday morning, hopeful shoppers queued in the area waiting for the new store to open.
It is based at Commonwealth House, the new extension that was built onto the back of the original store which remains intact.
Primark estimated that around 1,100 shoppers came early in anticipation of the re-opening, based on the number of bags and freebies that staff handed out.
In a statement, the retailer said it had delivered on its commitment of resuming trade in Belfast city centre as quickly as possible following the fire. It also plans to open a second store in the city on Donegall Place next Spring.
Speaking at the opening on Saturday, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd said the event marked a "significant milestone for our people, our neighbours and the wider community of Belfast".
"We are confident that our store and newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas," he added.
(JG)
The area was left devastated following the blaze at the Historic Bank Buildings on 28 August which resulted in a safety cordon around the ruins.
While some retailers in the surrounding area remained closed, others struggled to survive due to lower footfall, which is estimated to have fallen by 60% with Castle Street among the worst affected.
From early on Saturday morning, hopeful shoppers queued in the area waiting for the new store to open.
It is based at Commonwealth House, the new extension that was built onto the back of the original store which remains intact.
Primark estimated that around 1,100 shoppers came early in anticipation of the re-opening, based on the number of bags and freebies that staff handed out.
In a statement, the retailer said it had delivered on its commitment of resuming trade in Belfast city centre as quickly as possible following the fire. It also plans to open a second store in the city on Donegall Place next Spring.
Speaking at the opening on Saturday, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd said the event marked a "significant milestone for our people, our neighbours and the wider community of Belfast".
"We are confident that our store and newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas," he added.
(JG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
