PRIMARK reopens in Belfast's historic Bank Buildings

McMonagle Stone was delighted to be chosen as the natural stone supplier for the historic restoration of PRIMARK at the Bank Buildings in Belfast.

    Restoring Belfast’s Iconic Bank Buildings

    In 2018, a devastating fire struck one of Belfast’s most recognisable landmarks—the historic Bank Buildings, home to Primark. This 237-year-old Grade B1 listed building suffered extensive damage, leaving a significant architectural and cultural loss in the heart of the city.

    Demonstrating a strong commitment to heritage and preservation, Primark undertook an ambitious four-year restoration project to carefully conserve and rebuild this much-loved structure. On 1st November 2022, the newly restored Primark Belfast store officially reopened, with its iconic façade proudly returned to its former glory.

    Expert Craftsmanship & Heritage Stone Restoration

    The restoration project brought together hundreds of skilled craftspeople and trades, including more than 40 expert stonemasons from across the UK and Ireland. Their work involved:

    • Repairing original stonework
    • Recreating intricate architectural details
    • Preserving the building’s historic character

    McMonagle Stone was proud to be selected as the natural stone supplier, supporting Keystone Supplies, Cregg Stone Ltd, and Bennett Construction throughout this landmark project.

    Precision Stone Matching with Locharbriggs Sandstone

    A key aspect of the restoration was sourcing a stone that closely matched the original façade.

    Our workshop team produced bespoke replacement stone elements using Locharbriggs Sandstone, a premium material sourced from a quarry in Scotland. This sandstone was carefully chosen for its:

    • Colour compatibility with the original building
    • Durability and workability
    • Suitability for detailed stone carving

    Each piece was expertly crafted to ensure a seamless integration with the historic structure.

    Preserving the Past for the Future

    The restoration of Primark Belfast stands as a testament to the importance of heritage conservation, skilled craftsmanship, and high-quality natural stone. McMonagle Stone is honoured to have played a role in bringing this historic building back to life.

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