Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment

Why is the Leisure Centre being redeveloped?
The Forum was built in 1976 and is currently 46 years old. The main structure has reached the end of its useful economic life and substantial remedial works are required. There are problems with the pool tank and major items of plant and equipment need to be replaced.

It is anticipated operation costs will rise due to higher repair, maintenance and energy costs while income will fall as the facilities become less attractive to users.

What did Council consider before they decided on the redevelopment plans?
Council considered a range of options including just managing the decline of the building and moving the building elsewhere within the site and off site.

What are the plans for the redevelopment? 

• State of the art leisure, health and wellbeing hub
• 8 lane swimming pool
• Separate learner pool
• Splash pad area for young children
• Gym facilities
• Community and multipurpose spaces
• Destination playpark
• Urban Sports park
• Replacement 3G sports pitch
• New cycle and walkways and trails
• An active waterfront area
• Improved pedestrian linkages to Enniskillen town centre
• Designed to complement and enhance the natural and historical landscape & increase biodiversity

What is an ‘active waterfront area’?
The facilities proposed are:

• Space for activity providers to promote their services
• A watersports hub / point which includes a reception / gathering space from which there is access to changing rooms
• Outdoor sports changing rooms including accessible change, to include locker provisions
• Boating (non motorised) floating pontoon platform and steps area to access water.

What is meant by the ‘activity park’ within the redevelopment proposal?
The activities proposed include:

• Running track / trail
• Playground and play on-the-way
• Outdoor events area
• Urban Sports Park – Skateboard/scooter etc
• 3G pitch – this will be retained and enhanced

What stage is the project at?
Planning approval was granted on 20 September 2023. The Technical design stage of the redevelopment proposal is ongoing.

Work on a full business case for the project is ongoing and it will examine all details of the redevelopment, including any service provision during the completion of any proposed works. It is hoped that the full business case will be presented to Council in September 2024.

How is the redevelopment being funded?
£20m – UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (More information can be found here). Council will explore additional funding for the Lakeland project from a range of funders.

What is Passivhaus?
Buildings are a significant culprit of carbon emissions – accountable for 35% of total global energy consumption. Backed with over 30 years of international evidence, Passivhaus is a tried & tested solution that gives a range of proven approaches to deliver net-zero-ready new and existing buildings optimised for a decarbonised grid and augmented for occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort using very little energy for heating and cooling.

Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.

The redeveloped Forum will have an efficient plan, very high levels of insulation, and building orientation to maximise solar energy and reduce cooling. Having an all electric plant means that the building can take advantage of forecasted increased proportion of green energy into the grid.

Get more information on Passivhaus here

Council took the learnings from the UKs first Passivhaus Leisure Centre St Sidwell’s which is run by Exeter City Council. Get more information on St Sidwell’s here

What services will be provided during the redevelopment? 
Currently interim considerations during the circa 3 year period that the Lakeland Forum will be closed include delivering fitness and recreation via the following ;

• Gym and fitness class provision at an Enniskillen location
• Enhancement of the leisure and fitness offering (opening hours and activity type) at Castle Park Leisure Centre and Bawnacre Centre,
• Increased recreation activity delivered at local community level across Fermanagh

Groups that currently use the Lakeland Forum will be considered in the interim provision.

Who are the main consultants working on the redevelopment?
Project Architect: Space and Place. Get more information on their work here
Project Management, Cost Consultancy & Principal Designer: AECOM. Get more information on their work here

Where can I get more details?
For more information on the project please email: wellbeingandculture@fermanaghomagh.com
For media enquiries please email: communications@fermanaghomagh.com