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8th December 2018
04:24pm GMT
The Belfast Primark had its grand reopening today after being severely damaged by a fire and it seems people couldn’t wait to get in to see it.
Over 1,000 people queued up outside the brand new store ahead of its opening this morning.
The store has been closed for urgent renovations for the past three months, ever since a huge fire broke out on the top floor of the five-storey building just days before it was due to open.
"It's like Christmas has come early in Belfast." #Primark pic.twitter.com/qbUkBdmT5i
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) December 8, 2018
Local businesses were severely affected by the blaze as they were also forced to close and it’s thought that footfall in Belfast has dropped by up to 60% since it happened.
More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze for hours and it was even feared the historic Bank Buildings would collapse altogether.
Speaking at the opening, Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said, "This is a great day for the city of Belfast particularly just before Christmas.
Oooh there's a new Primark open in Belfast now! ???? pic.twitter.com/bb77VY8qdf
— ????????????????✨ (@Milady_Skelmo) December 8, 2018
Castle Street yesterday & today as Belfast’s new Primark opens. Second pic by @JustinKernoghan pic.twitter.com/QdD6USLM3X
— Ryan Smith (@Ryan_Smith94) December 8, 2018
"You could see the atmosphere with all the customers queuing up, but also the atmosphere among the staff inside, it was an emotional morning but also one of excitement.
"This will really help with footfall so I am really happy with this day, it shows the city's resilience, we are bouncing back as a city, there is more work to be done but this is great not just for Primark and its staff, but also for the surrounding traders particularly here in Castle Street."
Primark fire pic.twitter.com/OmA4rfIILn
— Hugh Russell (@russellhugh1) August 28, 2018
Main image via @Milady_Skelmo
