Council Strategy To Save Primark Building Underway

A consultation has been opened by Belfast City Council regarding a strategy for saving as much of Belfast's Bank Buildings as possible.

It follows an expert assessment on what parts of the historical structure can be saved, after Primark vowed to save the building last week.

According to the council papers, the "primary threat" to the structure is the "exceptionally fragile physical condition" left as a result of the blaze in August.

The fire destroyed most of the top half of the iconic Bank Buildings. The papers that assessed the damage note the "complete loss of the king post truss roof structure that formed the top floor and mansard roof".

Other areas of damage include:

• Loss of original interior structure, with only fragments of support beams evident.

• Complete loss of original floor joists and sash windows.

• Severe damage to the dormer clock and extensive smoke damage to the red sandstone ashlar walling.

The assessment papers states: "A detailed methodology involving multiple stake-holders is required in order to address the cordon and ensure safe access to the building in order to stabilise the structure and begin remedial works in full, subject to statutory approval."

As a result of the roof damage and current weather conditions, the assessment warns that the longer the building is left exposed, the less there will be to save.

It reads: "The deterioration of the remaining physical fabric will only be exacerbated and further destabilised by its ongoing exposure to wind-load, water ingress and freeze/thaw action."

The assessment comes days after Primark donated £500,000 as a "gesture of goodwill" to help affected businesses in the area that are suffering a loss in trade due to the safety cordon.

(JG/MH)