It has been four years since Primark Belfast was forced to close its doors due to a fire. Today, a bigger and better version of the much-loved store opens to the public.
We headed down to the new and improved Primark Belfast at its original location in the Bank Buildings on Royal Avenue to see what all the fuss is about.
Doors to the new five-floor store opened to the public at 10am this morning on the first day of November. The queues were huge as people waited in anticipation.
New additions to the store, which is 76% bigger than it was before refurbishments, include a Disney Café and a fully equipped beauty salon.
Bigger and better Primark Belfast has officially reopened – a welcome return to the city
This morning, eager shoppers arrived in droves to queue up for the grand reopening of Primark Belfast in its original location at the Bank Buildings.
The city centre location has been undergoing refurbishments for the last four years. Today, the building stood in all its glory, devoid of the shipping containers and scaffolding that have been its protection while work was ongoing.
The new and improved site comes as a result of a renovation costing £30 million. Belfast mayor, Councillor Christina Black, said on Twitter of the restoration, “It was wonderful to attend the re-opening of Primark at The historic Bank Buildings in Belfast.
“After a four year restoration, the new store is complete & better than ever! Congratulations to the team @Primark for an amazing transformation”.
The store’s latest features – an abundance of new additions
If you thought Primark was big before, think again. The new store takes up 76% more space than it did before. Shoppers were welcomed back this morning by a DJ and enthusiastic staff members cheering for the reopening.
Now across five stories, new elements include a Disney Café chock full of all the Disney memorabilia you could imagine, a fully equipped beauty salon, including nails, eyebrows, and more, and there is also an incredible range of seasonal decorations throughout the store.
The fifth floor is now taken up in its entirety by a home section. Here, you can buy everything from bedding and carpets to bamboo clothes racks and dressing tables.
An early Christmas present for Belfast – a boost to Belfast’s high street
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts welcomed the reopening at the Bank Buildings by saying, “This is a much-needed early Christmas present for Belfast City Centre and its shoppers.
“The store was always a huge footfall driver for our members and its reopening will be the catalyst for more regeneration efforts and wider change in that area. It is a welcome investment in the future of the city.
“Belfast City Centre now has huge potential to be a fun, family friendly destination with a dynamic retail and hospitality offering”.
The atmosphere was electric at Primark Belfast today as the locals welcomed the original store back with open arms.
