Savills Northern Ireland has announced that a historic 4-story retail building in the heart Belfast city centre has just come onto the market for lease.
The property had been home to well-known retailer, Primark for the last four years following a devastating fire in one of its landmark stores at the Bank Buildings in 2018.
The fire – which was accidental and burned for three days – almost destroyed the property, which is one of Belfast’s most prominent historic buildings. Bank Buildings re-opened last week.
Originally named Moore House after the printers and stationers James Moore – who had occupied the site since the 1850s, Fountain House, which is located on Donegall Place – Belfast’s prime shopping street – as built between 1935 and 1937.
It stands at 46,500 square foot and was redeveloped in 2007, and subsequently pre-let at that time to New Look, who established its flagship store within the city. The building is directly opposite Castle Lane – the pedestrianized throughfare linking Donegall Place to Cornmarket and Victoria Square. Along with Primark, other key retailers in the area include Boots, Zara, Marks & Spencers and JD Sports.
Paul Wilson of Savills said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for a substantial retailer to get a foothold in Belfast’s prime shopping district. Strategically located, Fountain House offers multi-level trading with the benefit of twin escalators linking each floor and a good quality inherent fit out having been refitted by Primark in 2019.
We are already pleased by the level of interest which has been stirred by the recent announcement of the planned reopening of Primark's Bank Buildings. This activity together with other key retailers opening in the city centre as well as Ulster University opening its eagerly awaited city centre campus is a huge boost to Belfast City Centre and its economic outlook.”