Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has outlined the plans for the proposed redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum leisure centre in Enniskillen after a planning application was officially submitted on June 20.

The Council’s submission of the planning application was previously reported in The Impartial Reporter last week as part of an article on the concerns of an Enniskillen Lakelanders swimming club parent, regarding the prospective closure of the leisure centre for redevelopment.

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,” said a Council spokesperson.

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.

“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,” added the spokesperson.

Recognising the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship, the spokesperson continued: “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, the 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.

In January, the Council was successful in an application for £20million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding towards the project.

“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,” added the Council spokesperson.

The planning application, reference number LA10/2023/1866/F, can be viewed on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal website (at www.planningsystemni.gov.uk).