Consent Approved For Bank Buildings

Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has this morning approved Primark's listed building consent application for Bank Buildings.

Approval has now been given for Primark's proposal to begin conservation-led works to take down the top two floors of Bank Buildings, which appear to be the most unstable parts of the building.

Once these unstable elements are removed, works can take place to install a façade retention scheme. 

It will also make it possible to reduce the cordon and restore pedestrian access between Royal Avenue and Donegall Place, subject to health and safety considerations as work takes place. 

It is understood that Primark are now ready to commence this work.

We have also agreed a process with Primark which includes a temporary designed walkway, which we hope to be in place within weeks.

Councillor Matt Garrett, chairman of the Council's Planning Committee, said: "I'm pleased that we have been able to give the green light to this application and work can now get underway with the aim of reducing the cordon as soon as possible, and as soon as it is safe to do so.

"The Committee has asked for an undertaking from Primark that it will begin work as soon as practically possible. There is a real urgency for businesses, both inside and outside the cordon, to ensure their economic resilience in the run-up to Christmas and beyond, so it's vital that Primark moves forward and ensures the required works are completed as soon as possible."