It’s been reported that, through the council’s partnership with Golden Thread Gallery, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £83k to do the study on the property.

Cllr Murray has said: “After years spent campaigning for this proposed restoration project, and much engagement with both the council and local residents, I’m glad see progress being made. It’s been a long time coming.

“Wilmont House is an invaluable cultural heritage asset, one of the many of its kind that are an essential bridge between Belfast’s past, present, and future, and we have a duty to preserve. It’s a venue that’s bursting with potential as a community and arts space, and it’s exciting that this is part of the overall vision for its future.

“Hopefully this feasibility study represents the first chapter in Wilmont House’s second life, and I look forward to seeing the results.”