Primark to donate £500,000 to help businesses impacted by fire

by Q Radio News

Primark is donating £500,000 to help businesses in Belfast City Centre affected by a major fire at the building last month. 

It's been three weeks since the blaze tore through the iconic bank building on Royal Avenue.

As a result a cordon was erected around the site, which some local companies still remain behind.

Belfast City Council has now setup a recovery programme to support  firms impacted by the barrier. 

In a statement from a Council spokesperson, Primark says it will put the money towards that as a "gesture of goodwill", with the intention to get "back up and trading as soon as possible". 

“This is a very welcome announcement from Primark and will contribute to the wider City Recovery Investment Fund, which the Council is currently establishing, and which will be considered by members of the Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on Friday (21 Sept). 

“Primark is very keen to support small businesses in the city centre – in particular those that have been severely impacted by the fire. 

"The company has asked Belfast City Council to distribute this funding on its behalf.

“Belfast City Council is developing a City Recovery Investment Programme which includes immediate, medium and longer term proposals to support businesses, re-establish and sustain high levels of trading the city centre in the lead up to Christmas and beyond, increase connectivity across the city centre, ultimately ensuring the city’s economic resilience.

"The contribution made by Primark will be an important part of that overall programme delivery.

“Council and its city partners will continue their engagement with traders and landlords. Following the outcome of Friday’s meeting, more details will become available around how businesses can access the funding and when.”

It's understood the cordon is expected to stay in place until at least January.

The cordon is expected to stay in place until at least.