Council confirms access arrangements to outdoor facilities ahead of redevelopment of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed access arrangements to outdoor facilities surrounding the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen, as site preparations advance for the landmark redevelopment of the centre into a state-of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub.

As the project moves into the construction phase, led by contractor GRAHAM, some outdoor facilities will be unavailable for use from Monday 16 June 2025 for the duration of the redevelopment works. These include the customer car park, play park, running track and small synthetic pitch. The Castle Basin promenade and walkways, large synthetic pitch, Derrychara football pitches, the pedestrian footbridge and jetties on Broadmeadow will remain open throughout the project.

During this time the Council is highlighting alternative facilities nearby including play park provision within Enniskillen. The Council operates 13 sites within Enniskillen that provide play park facilities, with the Round O Park and Forthill Park play parks located closest to the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum. There are a further 92 play parks across the district, outside of Enniskillen.

A number of free and pay and display off-street car parks are also operated by the Council in Enniskillen. A map of car parks and full details can be found on the Council’s website.

Bookings for the large synthetic pitch continue to be made through the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum team, now located at Broadmeadow Fitness, while synthetic pitches are also available to hire at the Council’s leisure centres located across the district.

The 49-year old Lakeland Forum leisure centre will be replaced with a cutting-edge leisure facility designed to support healthy lifestyles and community activities. The new leisure, health and wellbeing hub will offer inclusive and accessible indoor and outdoor spaces for people of all ages, while supporting tourism and the local economy.
Speaking about the move to the construction phase of the project, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“This is a significant milestone in delivering a transformative and future proofed facility for our residents, supporting overall health and wellbeing.

While we have worked closely with the contractor to maintain access to key areas such as the riverside walkways and the large synthetic pitch, the closure of other certain outdoor spaces during this phase is necessary for safety and practicality.

I understand that this may cause inconvenience and I encourage people to use nearby alternative facilities where possible. On behalf of the Council, I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we progress with this iconic, innovative project.”

The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum closed at the end of April to prepare for the construction phase of the new leisure, health and wellbeing hub. A comprehensive programme of alternative leisure provision is available to ensure Forum customers have access to leisure services during the redevelopment.

The redevelopment project – awarded £20m funding from the UK Government – will be the only Passivhaus leisure centre on the island of Ireland, with environmental sustainability at its core. It will include an 8-lane 25m swimming pool; separate learner pool; splash pad area for young children; fully equipped gym and fitness suite; community and multipurpose spaces; soft play and sensory room; destination playpark; pump track; cycle, walking and running trails; an active waterfront area and improved pedestrian linkages to Enniskillen town centre.

For further information please visit the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com