20/05/2019

Tesco Metro Reopens After Primark Fire

Nine months after it was forced to close due to the Primark fire, Tesco Metro has reopened its doors in Belfast City Centre.

The shop fell behind the security cordon following the devastating blaze that ripped through the Bank Buildings in August last year.

14 businesses were closed in the wake of the fire due to the safety barrier, which has been reduced in recent weeks.

As the areas of Royal Avenue, Donegall Place and Castle Place gradually reopen, some are calling for the pedestrianised zones to remain closed to traffic.

95 people are employed at the Tesco Metro.

Commenting on the development and further reduction in the cordon, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said his organisation will continue to lobby for a rejuvenation fund for the city centre.

He added: "Retail NI is very ambitious for Belfast and we believe that a 21st Century city centre can be created with a dynamic retail and hospitality offer. There is no reason, with the right investment and partnership that Belfast couldn't be in the top ten of retail destinations in the UK.

"Top of our list is creating the conditions so that more independent retailers could locate in the City Centre to offer something different and distinctive to consumers. We will be engaging with the newly elected Belfast City Councillors to outline how this could be achieved."



(JG/CM)

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