Work is progressing on two key initiatives that could unlock the potential to restore and redevelop Wilmont House in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Belfast.

The City Council is currently conducting an assessment of the building's condition to inform a broader feasibility study. This Grade B+ listed building's future use hinges on the outcomes of these evaluations.

Meanwhile, the Golden Thread Gallery has secured £83,270 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out the feasibility study, in partnership with the council. This study will explore the viability of transforming the property into a community and arts space that highlights the building's built, cultural and environmental heritage while making the most of its unique open space setting.

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Consultation with park users and local community groups is planned for the summer to inform the study. Once both the condition assessment and feasibility study are complete, the findings will be brought to councillors to determine the best way forward, including consideration of funding options for any potential long-term works.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed the news. "This is just the first step in a lengthy process and, while it isn't a guarantee that Wilmont House can be returned to its former glory any time soon, it's still a moment worth marking," he said.

"Previous expressions of interest processes have not secured an economically viable use for this beautiful building, but we recognise its significance to the city, and the park, and we want to find a way of bringing it back into use that really works."

Peter Richards and Sarah McAvera, Co-Directors with Golden Thread Gallery, added: "We are thrilled to be working along with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Belfast City Council on the feasibility of restoring Wilmont House as a cultural venue.

"The gallery has been developing a collection of Northern Irish Art and Northern Ireland's first Visual Arts Research Library and Archive since 2019. This project will assess whether Wilmont House is an appropriate home for these and other collections to be seen and enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to Belfast."