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12/08/2022
Greens Welcome Reopening Of Historic Bank Buildings
The Green Party has welcomed the news that the historic Bank Buildings in Belfast city centre are to reopen four years after being badly damaged in a fire.
Primark, who own the building, has announced that they will reopen the store in November.
Green councillor Áine Groogan said: "This listed building has huge architectural & historical significance and I'm pleased that Primark have invested in and took so much effort to ensure its reinstatement. Our built heritage is precious and I'm glad that Primark have shown their commitment to doing what they can to protect it, even after such a catastrophic fire.
"It shows what is possible and I hope that we can use this example to do better elsewhere across our city centre, where we have already seen so much of our built heritage lost to neglect, unauthorised demolition & poor planning.
"I also hope that the reopening of the Bank Buildings will help in revitalising our city centre, though we must do more to adapt to the changing high street after all the recent economic shocks.
"Belfast grasped the challenge after the bank building fire with the pedestrianisation of royal avenue, pop-up parks and other significant interventions which contributed to getting people back into our city centre. We have seen that these moves can work, and we know that if you create a more vibrant city centre that is awash with an arts & culture offering, this can also drive footfall.
"We have also seen significant moves towards inner city active travel and sustainability in other major cities in Europe, but Belfast has lagged behind. We know the challenges of the future will exert more pressure on our high street, Belfast needs better greener solutions to address these difficulties."
Primark, who own the building, has announced that they will reopen the store in November.
Green councillor Áine Groogan said: "This listed building has huge architectural & historical significance and I'm pleased that Primark have invested in and took so much effort to ensure its reinstatement. Our built heritage is precious and I'm glad that Primark have shown their commitment to doing what they can to protect it, even after such a catastrophic fire.
"It shows what is possible and I hope that we can use this example to do better elsewhere across our city centre, where we have already seen so much of our built heritage lost to neglect, unauthorised demolition & poor planning.
"I also hope that the reopening of the Bank Buildings will help in revitalising our city centre, though we must do more to adapt to the changing high street after all the recent economic shocks.
"Belfast grasped the challenge after the bank building fire with the pedestrianisation of royal avenue, pop-up parks and other significant interventions which contributed to getting people back into our city centre. We have seen that these moves can work, and we know that if you create a more vibrant city centre that is awash with an arts & culture offering, this can also drive footfall.
"We have also seen significant moves towards inner city active travel and sustainability in other major cities in Europe, but Belfast has lagged behind. We know the challenges of the future will exert more pressure on our high street, Belfast needs better greener solutions to address these difficulties."
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02 October 2018
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
15 March 2004
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
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St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
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20 June 2014
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"Belfast is the heart of the local economy," Peter Robinson has said. The First Minister made the comments as he launched a blueprint that sets out "bold and aspirational plans" for Belfast City Centre.
Belfast 'Heart Of Economy' - Robinson
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy but mainly dry day with just the odd shower. Best chance of any brightness will be across northern and eastern counties. Mild. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of rain. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast late in the night. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
