Businesses report 80% fall in trade following Primark fire

A cordon placed around the Primark building that was badly damaged in a fire in Belfast city centre has resulted in an 80% fall in takings for some nearby businesses, some traders have claimed.

More than 100 firefighters battled the major blaze for more than three days as it engulfed the building on Castle Street.

The safety cordon could be in place for up to four months, meaning itwill be out of bounds throughout the busy pre-Christmas shopping season.

On Thursday morning, a number of businesses in and around the exclusion zone held a meeting with Belfast City Council.

Argento CEO Peter Boyle said big choices have to be made around the future of the Bank Buildings. Credit: UTV

Fourteen shops in the exclusion zone have to remain closed, among them the jewellery shop Argento.

It's CEO Peter Boyle said: "I would say take a month, if you can save it in the month, great!...We'll all be happy, we've saved the building.

"But if you can't save it before the end of the month there's a point of cut off where they simply cant afford the city to be closed any longer.

"If you can't save it by the end of the month make contingency plans for puling it down at the end of the month."

It's not just businesses inside the cordon suffering. Those inside the exclusion zone are reporting an 80% fall in trade.

Greengrocer Christine Ossawy said the fire has had a big impact on her business. Credit: UTV

"We are getting a few of are regulars...but the majority of customers are not coming round," said greengrocer Christine Ossawy.

Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said the cordon was necessary.

She said: "The four months timeline is around the safety of the public and the safety of those people who would go into do any necessary work that needs to be done."

The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society believes the building can be saved but is urging a decision to be taken as soon as possible to help the traders in the city centre.