Levelling-up boost for Upper Bann welcome

Carla Lockhart MP • January 19, 2023

DUP MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has expressed her delight at news that the FE McWilliams Gallery in Banbridge is to benefit from £3.5m in Levelling Up funding from the Government, to help fund an expansion and upgrade of the popular Banbridge based gallery. The local representative also welcomed funding towards provision of female changing rooms for local rugby clubs.

Carla Lockhart said:

“I am delighted that we have had local success from the latest round of Levelling Up allocations from the Government.

For some time the FE McWilliams Gallery at Banbridge has been exploring the further expansion and upgrade of their site. This is in order to maximise the potential of the Gallery as a visitor attraction, helping to bring people to the Banbridge area who will visit the gallery, but also spend money in local shops, enjoy local hospitality, and help boost the local economy. It is also a showcase of the amazing local artistic talent we have here, and that is something we all should be what we can to promote. I am really looking forward to these exciting plans being realised in the future.

We have also secured funding for Portadown, Banbridge and Lurgan Rugby Clubs to enhance female changing facilities, as part of a £5.1m investment by Government in 20 clubs across Northern Ireland. Women’s rugby is growing rapidly across Northern Ireland, and both these clubs have very successful and dedicated women’s teams. To encourage increased participation facilities are key, and this money will greatly benefit the local game.

As MP I was only too happy to support these bids, and in such a competitive process to have enjoyed this success is a fantastic achievement.”

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