Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment

Planning approval granted for redevelopment of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum 

A significant milestone was achieved with the approval of planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum. 

Meeting at the Townhall, Enniskillen on Wednesday 20 September 2023, the planning application to transform the 46-year-old leisure centre and surrounding area into a state-of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub received unanimous support from the Planning Committee. 

The ambitious redevelopment plan – which was awarded £20m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund earlier this year – includes a new leisure building, designed to Passivhaus standards to ensure environmental sustainability, with cutting edge sports amenities including a new 8-lane swimming pool, separate learner pool and splash pad area for young children and gym facilities. It also includes versatile community and multipurpose spaces for health partners and others with dedicated areas for health and wellness activities. Outdoors, the proposal includes a destination playpark and urban sports park; a replacement 3G sports pitch; new walkways and trails and the development of an active waterfront area and improved pedestrian linkages to Enniskillen town centre. The proposed redevelopment will be designed to complement and enhance the natural and historical landscape and increase biodiversity. 

The Forum redevelopment will aim to deliver a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure and recreation activities, promote health and wellbeing, and increase access to Lough Erne with the inclusion of an active waterfront area. 

The development will also include outdoor activity areas that will be designed to complement and enhance the natural and historical landscape and increase biodiversity. The Lakeland Forum’s inclusive intergenerational offer will increase accessibility and promote community engagement, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles. 

Designed to Passivhaus standards, the proposed development is a bold statement in advancing the Council’s sustainability ambitions. As a high-quality visitor attraction, the facility and outdoor areas will increase dwell time in Enniskillen, enhance links between the site and the retail core, positively contribute to place-shaping, town centre regeneration, and the local tourism offer. New cycling and walking routes will also improve the facility’s connection to the town centre, facilitating movement and active travel. 

The overall proposal has been designed to benefit local people and the wider district by creating new opportunities for leisure and recreation, health and wellbeing, tourism, the local economy and supporting the local environment and biodiversity. The redevelopment proposal was developed following extensive consultation and engagement with elected representatives, members of the public, statutory and community organisations and local businesses. The design stage of the redevelopment proposal is ongoing.  It is anticipated that the Full Business Case for the project will be presented to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for approval mid-2024, when a decision on the investment will be made. 

The project is currently at RIBA Stage 3.

Project Architect: Space and Place.

For more information on the project please email: wellbeingandculture@fermanaghomagh.com

For media enquiries please email: communications@fermanaghomagh.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  about the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment.

The Council frequently receive requests from the public or media outlets seeking insights, comments or more detailed information on Council services or projects. Please find below some recent FAQ’s about the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment.

Question: What are the plans for leisure facilities during the Lakeland Forum redevelopment?

Response: The plans for leisure facilities during the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment are still under consideration as part of the Full Business Case process. Detailed arrangements, including temporary facilities, will be communicated through press releases, social media, and the Council’s website when confirmed.

Question: How much will the Lakeland Forum redevelopment cost, and how will it be funded?

Response: The final costs will be determined when the Full Business Case is completed, expected in 2024. Funding for the project has been provisioned in the Council’s Capital Plan 2023-2028, approved in a special Council meeting on 09 February 2023.

Question: When will the Lakeland Forum close for refurbishment, and how long will it be closed?

Response: The exact closure date and duration of the Lakeland Forum for refurbishment are still under consideration and will be communicated once confirmed as part of the Full Business Case process.

Question: How will the closure of the Lakeland Forum affect the user groups?

Response: User groups will be informed of the closure dates and alternative training arrangements when the Council makes decisions regarding the refurbishment. Details will be shared through appropriate channels.

Question: What was the response to the public consultation on the Lakeland Forum redevelopment, and will the Levelling Up Funding received impact on the rates?

Response: The public consultation received nearly 400 responses, with initial indications showing strong support for the redevelopment. The £20 million awarded to the project from the Levelling Up Fund is specifically for the capital redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and surrounding area at Broadmeadow.  This funding does not impact on the revenue funds required for the delivery of Council services or the Rates Setting process for 2023/24.