Questions over future of Civic Centre portraits

QUESTIONS have been asked over what will happen to Antrim Mayoral portraits when the Civic Centre is leased, after a DUP councillor again quizzed the Chief Executive over security at Mossley Mill.

The Antrim Guardian revealed recently that the Civic Centre could be leased to another public sector organisation, just 20 years after it was opened and ten years after the supercouncil merger with Newtownabbey.

The council confirmed the development after council staff still working at the building were told that they could be transferring to the Mossley Mill complex in the New Year.

It’s been rumoured that the Education Authority, currently operating from the old Antrim High School building, has expressed interest in the building.

A council spokesperson said: “Officers are in the early stages of discussions with another public sector organisation regarding the potential lease of space in Antrim Civic Centre.

“A report will be presented to the Council in due course for members’ consideration.”

Last year it emerged that no full council meetings were slated for the former council HQ for the 2025 term, while most committees also now meet at Mossley Mill.

At the Operations Committee meeting in December, DUP Alderman Stephen Ross raised the issue of security in the corridor of Mossley Mill which features Mayoral portraits.

At the full monthly meeting of council last week, he raised the question again, referencing damage caused to a painting during a private function at Belfast City Hall.

He said: “I raised security with the Chief Executive on the Mayor’s corridor, we all know about the sectarian damage to a Mayor’s portrait, there was no prosecution because there was no CCTV, that old chestnut of ‘no comment’.

“Matt (McDowell, Director of Estates and Recreation) told us about a pass for people when they attend events at the Mayor’s parlour, I think we should have CCTV and they should be signed in so that we know exactly who they are.

“We have all seen the absolute antics with Belfast City Council and at Stormont, we need to have a plan in this council area, so that it is dealt with before it happens.”

Chief Executive Richard Baker said that the security pass system is now in place.

“Every week, hundreds of people do use it as a commercial letting, the Yarn Suite is used on a weekly basis.” he said.

“We can look at practicalities, of using the existing CCTV alongside card access or a registration system.

Alderman Ross added: “It was at a private event that the portrait was damaged, people should be signed in, I don’t care, there should be a prosecution, this old chestnut of saying nothing to the peelers, maybe some people think that is acceptable, I don’t.”

Independent Airport Alderman and former Mayor Paul Michael has now asked what will become of the artwork currently at the Civic Centre, if and when it is leased.

“There is a lot of civic heritage there and memories of those that have gone before us and I would hate to think that they will just be left in storage somewhere.” he told the Guardian.