To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any engagement he has had with Belfast City Council through the Historic Environment Division in relation to the restoration of Wilmont House in South Belfast.

I have had no such engagement.

Officials within my Historic Environment Division - HED - have been engaged with Belfast City Council since February 2017, when they asked for access to Wilmont House.

Later in 2017 HED – having surveyed the building - advised the council that this listed building was in a very poor condition and might be suitable for an Urgent Works Notice.

HED asked the Council in 2019 who should be contacted regarding ongoing deterioration and water ingress, and for any updates on maintenance activities to address dilapidation. The Council advised that a contractor had been engaged to disconnect the water supply.

HED then met officials within the Council’s asset team in 2022 to advise of necessary repairs and vegetation clearance.

A further onsite meeting took place between HED and BCC officials in October 2022 to discuss the works needed to save the house from further dilapidation. HED stressed that works were required urgently to clear gutters and vegetation and also advised the council to get advice from a conservation accredited structural engineer.

In 2023 HED sent a copy of the ‘Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estate’ document to the Council (this was commended to Councils as good practice by the NI Executive in 2011). The Council agreed to commission an independent evaluation of the options to restore Wilmont House back into use, however HED understands a feasibility study has yet to be undertaken. HED officials retain a watching brief on this building.