Hundreds of workers at Belfast's Primark store have been told that their "jobs are safe".

The historic Bank Building on Castle Street and Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre was gutted in a major fire on Tuesday, 28 August.

The fire began on the roof at about 11am yesterday and quickly spread down through the store, which had been undergoing a major £30 million refurbishment and extension.

The interior of the building was completely destroyed in the fire but it is understood that engineers have now inspected the building and determined the historic exterior is "structurally intact".

Bosses from the retail giant were in Belfast this morning to meet with staff from the Belfast store. Some 350 people work at the flagship city centre store.

A police cordon remains in place around the building with Queen Street closed from Wellington Place to its junction with Castle Street, while Castle Street is closed from Queen Street to Royal Avenue.

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Commenting on the fire and its effect on Belfast City Centre, Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey, said: "It is vital at this time that Council and its city partners pull together to do whatever we can to support everyone affected by this devastating event. Not only has this impacted on the Primark employees and the business itself, but it will have a knock-on effect for neighbouring businesses and city centre retailers, and they will need our support over the coming weeks and months. As a city, we all need to rally round those who need support now.

"Council is committed to doing everything it can to assist in the recovery operation and keep Belfast city centre open for business.

"Everyone is extremely sad at the damage to a building that has been part of our heritage and the Belfast cityscape for centuries. Aside from the devastating economic impact, the impact on such a beautiful building is devastating for the city and its built heritage.

"Council officers are also in close contact with businesses in the immediate area of the fire to offer whatever support they can to ensure they can continue to operate where possible. We will also be liaising with representatives from Primark to assist in any way we can should they wish to seek alternative accommodation within the city centre.

"An evening street fair due to take place in Castle Street tomorrow evening (Thursday 30) has inevitably been postponed. This is an exciting event and we are determined to reschedule and continue with our plans to animate this area of the city, to increase footfall and to rally round the traders in this part of the city centre."

(MH/LM)