Store gallery: Primark reopens Belfast flagship following £100m restoration project

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Primark’s Belfast store has reopened four years after it was gutted by a fire.

The 237-year-old Bank Buildings store underwent a £100m refurbishment project following the fire in August 2018.

The store has merged with the existing Castle Street store to create a new Northern Irish flagship, 76% bigger than the previous shop.

The heritage store spans 88,200 sq ft across five floors, selling both trends and essential clothing for all shoppers.

Homewares will be on sale for the first time for customers in Belfast, as well as a Christmas gifting suite for the festive season.

It also includes a new Disney experience space, including a Disney cafe, a Disney photo moments area and a dedicated Disney department for adults, kids and homeware.

Customers can also make use of a new nail and beauty studio on the fifth floor.

The store brings 300 new roles to the city, bringing the total to 500 for Primark, including permanent and temporary seasonal positions, making it one of the biggest retail employers in Belfast.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black said: “It’s really wonderful to be here today to see the reopening of this iconic Belfast building. As a former Primark employee myself, I have many happy memories of working here during my university years and now a new chapter begins for the staff. When the fire devastated Bank Buildings back in 2018, it was hard to imagine ever reaching this point; but over the last few years, we’ve witnessed the painstaking work that has gone into restoring this beautiful heritage building and like everyone, I’m thrilled to see it reopen its doors today, with the added boost of creating new jobs.

“While the fire was undoubtedly a devastating event for our city and businesses, it also marked something of a watershed moment because it brought together elected members and city partners to work together to find solutions. Over the last number of years, we have been able to trial new ideas and initiatives to support recovery and regeneration, and I know that partnership working will continue in the weeks and months ahead.”

Primark Northern Ireland area manager Jacqui Byers added: “Today is a great celebration, not only for Primark but for all of Belfast following years of hard work to recover and rebuild Bank Buildings. It is fantastic to have reached this day and return to our home in Belfast, bringing our colleagues back together under one roof with a store that is bigger and better than ever before.

“As we finally reopen, we wish to thank our colleagues, customers, the business community and the wider city of Belfast once again for their continued support over the past four years. Restoring Bank Buildings has been a passion project for Primark, completed in partnership with the wider city of Belfast and our amazing team of crafts and tradespeople – it has been a true team effort. This is a proud moment for us and it is a testament to every individual involved that we welcome shoppers back today.”