Much has changed in the four years since the fire which devastated the historic Bank Buildings in Belfast city centre, home to the hugely popular Primark store.
The ferocious blaze rapidly took hold during a bright summer's day but thankfully the staff and customers were safely evacuated.
The destructive power of the fire, which burned for three days, was witnessed first hand by many people in the city centre and was captured in powerful images that continue to resonate.
And while Primark was at the centre of the blaze, other businesses in the immediate city were greatly affected, with wider disruption to Castle Street and Royal Avenue.
There were also concerns at an early stage about the structure of the ruined building amid fears that it would have to be demolished.
However, the decision was made to restore and rebuild, ensuring that this landmark, part of the city's rich built heritage, could be saved for future generations.
It was announced this week that the renovated and expanded store will reopen in November following a £30 million refurbishment programme.
This is welcome news for a city centre which is in need of a major boost.
Many businesses were already dealing with changing shopping habits and reduced footfall before the fire in August 2018, and since then the situation has got worse.
The pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions have all taken their toll. Meanwhile, the shuttered shops and boarded up businesses, not to mention the problem of litter, lend an air of neglect and abandonment to once bustling thoroughfares.
Whether it is long delayed redevelopment or tough financial circumstances, parts of the city centre are in clear need of revitalisation.
Belfast is not alone in this. Towns and cities across the north are having find new ways of making their high streets attractive and vibrant places that people want to visit and enjoy.
The reopening of the flagship Primark store is an opportunity to look at the heart of the city, to rethink the space we have available to ensure those living, working and visiting the centre have a positive experience.
While it has to be recognised that retailers and the hospitality sector face another difficult winter with the cost of living crisis, they will be hoping this announcement will lead to increased customer numbers in the crucial Christmas trading period.
