A plan for installing stained glass windows in Belfast’s City Hall dedicated to the city’s LGBTQ community and health workers has been confirmed - up to six years after being proposed.
At Belfast City Council’s recent meeting of its Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, elected members finally heard confirmation details that preparation for a new LGBTQ window in City Hall was in motion, alongside plans for a new window dedicated to health workers.
A council report states “the creation of two new stained glass windows at City Hall, in recognition of the Health Service in Belfast and the acknowledgement of the positive role of the LGBT community in Belfast” was at the level of “Stage One - Emerging”.
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However, this status does not absolutely guarantee the windows will finally be made. The report states the “Emerging” status confirms “the business case to be developed with further detail to be brought back to the committee in due course”.
It adds “the working group was asked to note that there are a limited number of windows left within the City Hall, and it agreed to keep any remaining proposals under review”.
The two themed windows have been prioritised ahead of proposals for stained glass windows dedicated to Belfast sport, the British army’s Explosives Ordnance Disposal Company, and the Fire Brigade Union. These proposals were all made over five years ago, and none have even reached stage one yet.
The report states that there was "no agreement on the other three proposed stained glass windows".
It adds: "However, it was agreed that an options paper be prepared in relation to the remaining projects outlined in the report, to be developed in line with the ongoing work in relation to the City Hall grounds.
“In considering all the above members are asked to note in terms of availability of windows. There are a number of windows available on the ground floor opposite the elevator and along the west corridor opposite the various party rooms.
"There are also 16 clear windows at first floor level, some of which are on the route of the guided tours of the building.”
The LGBTQ window was first put to the council in April 2017 with a motion by former Sinn Fein councillor Mary-Ellen Campbell. It was seconded by former Alliance Councillor and Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister, now an MLA. It was agreed to progress the plan at committee level in 2018. The proposal for a window for health workers was even older, dating back to May 2016.
The council Working Group report states: “On the ground floor, there are 12 “themed” stained glass windows. All but one of these are in areas of the City Hall considered as public areas. The “Women’s History” window is just beyond the doors and the point where security asks visitors to register. There are two free windows adjacent to the Women’s History window.”
There have been 15 themed windows installed since the building opened in 1906, with a range of themes including Celtic myths and legends, the Great Famine, the dockers strike, the Spanish civil war, women’s history, the King’s tribute, the UDR, and the RUC.
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