Gutted shell: Belfast Telegraph photographer Kevin Scott captured this aerial view of the burnt-out building

The restoration of Belfast’s Primark Bank Buildings has been recommended for approval.

Officials have recommended that the redevelopment and restoration of Bank Buildings in Belfast city centre is approved by the council’s planning committee next week.

A fire engulfed the historic Royal Avenue building - home to Primark's flagship Belfast store - in August last year, burning for three days.

The fire caused severe damage and a significant proportion of the internal structure was destroyed. The external facades were also damaged. In the aftermath a large section of the city centre had to be zoned-off because of the risk of collapse forcing many businesses to close.

It was estimated that £20m was lost to the city centre economy as the fire’s ripple effect had a devastating impact on Belfast’s main shopping street, and Primark was estimated to have lost £75m.

Conservation-led works proposed include the reinstatement of the upper floor structures from Bank Street, Royal Avenue and Castle Street façades and the 1970s wall on Bank Street. Also, the discount retailer is seeking to add a cafe.

The application seeks to restore the Bank Buildings, which was built between 1880 and 1899, in its totality.

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Whatsapp Firefighters deal with a major blaze at Primark in Belfast on August 28th 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

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