Plans have been lodged for the proposed redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.
The ambitious redevelopment plan aims to transform the popular Enniskillen facility into a state-of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub.
A wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure and recreation activities, promoting health and wellbeing and increasing access to Lough Erne with the inclusion of an active waterfront area, are included as part of the redevelopment proposal.
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The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum has been a cornerstone of the local community for 46-years, offering a wide range of sporting, recreational and cultural activities.
However, recognising the requirement for modernisation and the changing needs of residents and visitors to the district, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has embarked on an innovative journey with plans to revitalise the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.
Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor AnnMarie Donnelly, said: “The submission of the planning application for the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment project represents an exciting milestone in the facility’s 46-year-old history.
“The proposed project would see the development of a state-of-the-art leisure and wellbeing centre, helping to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles, further strengthen the sense of community and promote the social and cultural development of the area.
“The new facility would be a welcome boost to Enniskillen and the wider District, complementing the range of activities and attractions available for locals and visitors alike.”
The key elements of the redevelopment plan include enhanced sporting facilities featuring cutting-edge sports amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of the community including a new 3G pitch and upgraded swimming pool and gym facilities.
These improvements will ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy a wide range of leisure and recreation activities.
The proposed revamped Fermanagh Lakeland Forum would also boast versatile community and multipurpose spaces for health partners, making the new facility a vibrant hub of health and wellbeing activity with dedicated areas for wellness activities, such as Yoga and Pilates as well as spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Additionally, a new café would provide a welcoming space for socialising and enjoying healthy refreshments.
Recognising the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship, the proposed new development will be a shining example of responsible and sustainable development as it is being designed to Passivhaus standards, a gold standard for energy efficiency.
Earlier this year, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council approved that the proposed redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum progresses to Full Business Case Stage, which includes the commencement of Planning and procurement processes.
The overall redevelopment project will be subject to final Council approval pending the outcome of the Full Business Case.
The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum continues to operate as normal with a full programme of leisure and recreation activities for all ages during this ongoing process.
In January of this year, the Council was successful in an application for £20million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding towards the project.
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