The extensive redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen has officially entered its building phase following the completion of site preparations and demolition work.

The ambitious £70 million scheme will create a state-of-the-art leisure, health, and wellbeing hub on the shores of the River Erne. The project is financially supported by £20 million of funding from the UK Government.

Contractors GRAHAM were joined on site to mark the construction kick-off by Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and Council officials.

A significant element of the design is that the new facility will be Ireland's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre. This stringent certification ensures exceptional energy efficiency, guaranteeing minimal environmental impact while providing a modern, sustainable asset for the community. Councillor Barry McElduff highlighted the local impact of the development: "Today marks a significant milestone for our district as we officially begin construction on the new Leisure and Wellness Centre in Enniskillen. This ambitious redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum demonstrates the Council's commitment to promoting health and wellbeing, creating inclusive and accessible spaces, boosting tourism and economic growth and advancing climate action. I am delighted that we have reached this stage and would like to sincerely thank our funding partners, contractors and project management team for their dedication and progress to date. I also want to acknowledge and thank the local community and nearby residents for their support and cooperation during the site preparation phase. We look forward to seeing the build progress in the months ahead."

Once completed, the new centre will feature a wide array of facilities, including swimming pools, a gym and fitness suite, community rooms for health and wellbeing activities, a sensory room, a soft play area, and a café. Outside, the plans include extensive amenities such as a destination playpark, a 3G pitch, a pump track, cycling and walking trails, and a vibrant active waterfront area.

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, commented on the UK Government's investment: "We're making sure communities have the investment they need to thrive as part of our Plan for Change, and projects like this are a key part of that. This centre will be a game-changer for Enniskillen, creating jobs, boosting health and wellbeing and providing a world-class facility that families across the wider area can enjoy for generations to come."

Gerry Rowe, Regional Director at GRAHAM, emphasised the building's innovative standards: "The start of construction of the new leisure and wellness centre represents a significant milestone in delivering this ambitious project. Our commitment to innovation is central to this development. We are privileged to be delivering what will become Ireland's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre. Adopting this stringent standard underscores our focus on exceptional energy efficiency and substantially minimising the environmental impact of the new facility. We are confident this world-class centre will serve as a sustainable and valued community asset for decades to come."