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Primark fire 'could be a turning point' for Belfast

Restricted access to Belfast city centre following the Primark fire has led to a drop of 30 percent in foot traffic. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Restricted access to Belfast city centre following the Primark fire has led to a drop of 30 percent in foot traffic. Picture by Hugh Russell. Restricted access to Belfast city centre following the Primark fire has led to a drop of 30 percent in foot traffic. Picture by Hugh Russell.

">THE Primark fire could be an opportunity to redevelop Belfast city centre in a manner similar to Manchester in the wake of the 1996 IRA bombing, it has been claimed.

The Bank Buildings blaze in August has forced the temporary closure of 14 neighbouring retail outlets as a cordon remains in place at the junction of Royal Avenue and Castle Place.

Foot traffic in the city centre has fallen by around 30 per cent since the cordon was erected, it has been estimated, and the lack of access to part of the city's main shopping thoroughfare has prompted calls from some traders to demolish the shell of the historic Bank Buildings and allow access for shoppers once again.

Chamber of Commerce President Rajesh Rana has said the situation could be a chance for "longer term funding for regeneration", comparing it to the aftermath of the Manchester bombing, which caused £700 million worth of damage to the city in 1996 - estimated to be the equivalent of £1.2 billion today.

No-one was killed in the huge explosion, although many were injured by debris, and the blast has been credited by some as prompting the regeneration of Manchester's city centre.

Mr Rana, speaking on BBC's Inside Business programme, said: "People have described it as analogous to the Manchester bomb, in a sense that this could be a catalyst for change and fresh thinking.

"Obviously it is a negative, the fire, and we want to get over it. But if there is some funding that could come in, and we have been speaking to central government and the city council about further, longer term funding for regeneration, then yes, that would be a positive."

His comments follow further efforts by Belfast City Council to draw shoppers into the city centre following the fire on August 28.

A series of plans have been unveiled aimed at improving footfall and helping businesses get back trading ahead of the Christmas season.

Included are plans for a festival, fairs, and even a temporary ski slope. Belfast City Council members are also seeking a meeting with Secretary of State Karen Bradley and the head of the Civil Service David Sterling, to discuss further financial support.