The building bought by Primark as its temporary store in Belfast city center is in need of a new tenant after the fast fashion giant moved back to its fully restored Bank Buildings flagship store.
It is understood Primark bought Fountain House on Donegall Place in late 2018 in the wake of the fire which destroyed its landmark town center store just down the street.
This deal led to New Look closing its flagship store in Belfast in January 2019, with the loss of around 70 jobs.
It came during a period when New Look adopted a series of closures and spending cuts across the companies under a voluntary scheme.
With Primark’s Bankbygg store reopening after more than four years on 1 November, Fountain House is now on the rental market.
Fountain House was built over 1935-1937, but was previously home to Moore House after James Moore’s printers and typewriters, dating back to the 1850s.
It was later occupied by Etam and Thorntons before a significant renovation project was completed in 2007 with New Look moving in.
Savills has been tasked with finding a new unit for the large downtown unit.
The firm’s Belfast-based retail specialist, Paul Wilson, described the 46,500 sq ft building as an excellent opportunity for a major retailer to gain a foothold in Belfast’s shopping core.
“Strategically located, Fountain House offers multi-level retail with the benefit of twin escalators connecting each floor and an inherent good quality fit-out having been redeveloped by Primark in 2019,” he said.
– We are already pleased with the interest that has been aroused by the recent announcement about the planned reopening of Primark’s bank building. This activity, along with other key retailers opening in the city centre, as well as Ulster University opening its long-awaited city center campus, is a huge boost for Belfast city center and its economic prospects.”