Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has reached a key construction milestone in the £70 million redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen, with piling works on site now successfully completed. This marks the end of a significant phase of early-stage construction and enables the project to move into the next important stage of below ground works such as drainage and foundation installation.

Progress on Site and Community Reactions

Outside the footprint of the building, progress continues in the area of the new car park and access road, with below ground works ongoing. The completion of piling signifies that the project is advancing on schedule and is now ready for the next phase of construction.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, welcomed the milestone, stating, “It is excellent to see the project reach this important milestone, with piling now complete and the next stages of construction already underway. This iconic project remains on target, and each step forward brings us closer to delivering a state-of-the-art leisure facility in Enniskillen. I want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved and thank our partners, contractors and the local community for their continued support. We look forward to seeing the foundations take shape over the coming months as the build progresses.”

William Gott, Project Manager at GRAHAM, added, “Completing the piling works marks an important milestone for this landmark project. Our team and partners have worked incredibly hard to reach this stage, and we’re pleased to see strong progress on site. We look forward to moving into the next phase and continuing to help deliver a modern, energy-efficient leisure facility for the local community.”

Funding and Project Scope

The project, supported by £20 million in UK Government funding, will see the development of a state-of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub overlooking the River Erne. When complete in 2028, the new centre will feature swimming pools, a gym and fitness suite, community wellbeing spaces, a sensory room, soft play, café, and an extensive range of outdoor facilities including a destination play park, pump track, 3G pitch, active waterfront and walking and cycling trails.

It will also become Ireland’s first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Construction is being delivered by GRAHAM, with the project expected to provide long-term benefits to the local economy and community.

Significance and Future Implications

The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region and is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to Enniskillen and the surrounding areas. The facility will serve as a hub for fitness, health, and wellbeing, offering a wide range of activities for people of all ages.

Local residents have been eagerly anticipating the completion of the project, which has been in the planning stages for several years. The new centre will not only provide a modern leisure facility but also create jobs during the construction phase and potentially in the long term once the facility is fully operational.

With the piling work now complete, the focus will shift to the next phase of construction, which includes the installation of foundations, drainage, and other critical infrastructure. This stage is expected to take several months, with the overall project on track for completion in 2028.

The project’s completion will mark a significant milestone for the region, as it will become Ireland’s first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre, setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency in public facilities. The facility is expected to attract visitors from across the country and beyond, boosting tourism and local business activity in the area.