Additional funding has been secured to support the restoration and preservation of Wilmont House in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, following discussions at Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

The funding package is aimed at helping protect the historic property, which is currently listed as being "at risk," as efforts continue to return the building to public use.

Alliance Councillor Micky Murray welcomed the latest financial support, which follows previous funding secured through the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a feasibility study carried out alongside Golden Thread Gallery. An additional £400,000 has now been allocated to complete immediate health and safety works at the site.

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The funding is expected to support short-term preservation measures while longer-term restoration plans continue to be developed.

Cllr Murray said: "I'm delighted that further funding has been secured today to help restore Wilmont House. This is a beautiful, historic building, and it should be enjoyed by the public, not left to ruin.

"Following previous funding secured through the National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out a feasibility study with Golden Thread Gallery, a further £400,000 has now been allocated to undertake immediate health and safety works.

"This funding will help secure this historic building, while we continue our efforts to fully restore Wilmont House to its former glory and bring it back into public use, as it was intended to be when it was donated to the people of Belfast by Lady Dixon."