Additional funding has been secured to allow Changing Places toilets to be provided as part of the ambitious revelopment of the FE McWilliam Gallery near Banbridge.
But one local councillor has taken a swipe at the Department for Communities for not having a dedicated fund to allow public buildings to provide such much-needed facilities for those with special needs.
The FE McWilliam Gallery is currently undergoing a major redevelopment thanks to a £3.7m UK Government ‘levelling up’ award, alongside a £200,000 contribution from the Wolfson Foundation.
According to ABC Council’s head of tourism Brian Johnston, work is “progressing well” and is expected to be completed by September 2026.
There was warm words of welcome all round after October’s regeneration committee was informed that two separate applications for funding – each in the sum of £10,000 – had found favour with the Northern Ireland Museums Council.
Both had been made by the curator of the FE McWilliam Gallery, who has been praised for her initiative. One will go towards the £12,900 cost of fitting-out Changing Places toilets, the other towards the provision of ‘education and community rooms’, at an estimated cost of £17,630.
A report to committee advises: “A new, purpose-built Changing Places toilet will cater to visitors with complex physical needs and will ensure that they and their families/carers are not excluded from enjoying our collections, exhibitions, events, café and shop.”
“We haven’t had that facility in the FE McWilliam Gallery before so that will be a good addition,” said Mr Johnston.
Councillor Kevin Savage, who proposed accepting the offer, said: “It will complement the facility and ensure it’s inclusive for all residents of the borough who attend.”
Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty was also delighted to see the letter of offer and seconded acceptance, highlighting the real need for Changing Places toilet provision.
She said: “For some people an issue like this isn’t really a high priority. I know awareness has been more raised of late, possibly even thanks to our policy here on council.
“For those of us who have faced the indignity of inaccessible changing facilities this is a huge issue. Ask yourself, would you lie on a toilet floor? Would you change your child on a toilet floor? Would you allow a relative with a visible or invisible disability or illness to use sub-standard facilities in this day and age? No, we wouldn’t. So it’s good to see the council’s 2023 policy being fulfilled in this way that really will help in that part of the borough. It’s real. It’s a bonus ball in this area.
“It’s very, very welcome and will ensure that no-one is excluded from using this facility which will be spectacular when the work is done.”
The Ulster Unionist representative thanked the gallery curator for her efforts and the Northern Ireland Museums Council for making the award.
But Councillor Flaherty: “It still, however, is an awful shame that the Department for Communities has not yet moved to instigate a standalone Changing Places Fund NI.
“As usual we are the only part of the UK not to have this fund and we rely on other organisations to step in and fill the breach and aren’t we glad that they do.”
The education and community rooms will also benefit with £10,000 towards that specific provision.
Head of tourism Mr Johnston said: “Coming from this chamber there was a consistent message that we want to make sure that as many local people, schools, are using the FE McWilliam Gallery and making sure there’s enough opportunity for local artists and so forth. This funding is towards the education and workshop space and again facilitating school visits.”
According to the report to committee: “The new education and community area in the new scheme consists of a large space which can be divided into two separate rooms, each able to accommodate 30 people (roughly one school class), two craft stores and two sink areas for workshops, catering and hand washing.
“The education and community rooms will be furnished with hi spec, durable furniture which can be easily moved and stored by our team to facilitate multiple educational uses and workshops. The new education and community rooms will meet demand from school groups and allow more people to enjoy the gallery’s popular workshops and creative programmes.
“The new rooms will also be available for community and corporate hire providing much needed income.”
