Lakeland Forum Leisure Centre ready to close next month for over two years

One of the primary council facilities in the west of Northern Ireland is set to close for almost two and a half years next month - should their ambitious redevelopment plan be given the green light from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Plans have been agreed to transform the 46-year-old Lakeland Forum Leisure Centre and surrounding area into a state- of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub.

Tha proposal received unanimous support from the district planning committee and was awarded £20m from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.

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"The Council will decide on the investment for the proposed redevelopment in December 2024," says Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC). "The Council acknowledges the Forum’s importance to many people. The aim of the proposed redevelopment is to ensure that the very best facilities are available to all."

The redevelopment appeared a step closer back in August when local company, GRAHAM, was appointed by FODC as the contractor to finalise the design.

Concern over the plans have been growing locally and there has been no confirmation of a final budget cost for the project. Last year it was estimated the project would cost in the region of £52 million.

In October, local councillor Mark Ovens pointed out that, despite the £20 million allocation from the Levelling Up Fund, the Lakeland Forum project would still cost the council "tens of millions of pounds".

“Ratepayers are being asked to pay for this and the least we can do is let them know how much it’s going to cost," said Ulster Unionist councillor Ovens.

The new leisure building will be the first in all of Ireland designed to Passivhaus standards to ensure environmental sustainability, with cutting edge sports amenities including a new 8-lane swimming pool, separate learner pool and splash pad area for young children and gym facilities.

It also includes versatile community and multi-purpose spaces for health partners and others with dedicated areas for health and wellness activities.

Outdoors, the proposal includes a destination play-park and urban sports park; a replacement 3G sports pitch; new walkways and trails and the development of an active waterfront area and improved pedestrian linkages to Enniskillen town centre.

Now, the Lakeland Forum have confirmed plans are in place to close the facility in December until the Spring of 2027 - should the council agree to press ahead with the redevelopment when they meet next month to make a decision.

"We recognise that a project of this scale will have an impact. Our staff are working to ensure you have access to a wide range of leisure services that the Council has to offer during the proposed redevelopment," said a statement sent out by the LLF to all local clubs and groups.

There have been serious concerns expressed locally over the lack of facilities available during the construction period.

The Forum houses the only 25 metre swimming pool in the county, which hosts hundreds of school children and disability groups weekly.

With four full size grass pitches, one full size floodlit 4G pitch and another smaller 3G area, it is used by footballers of all ages in the county all year round. The running track is also popular with athletes of all ages and hosts the weekly Junior Park Run.

"The large synthetic pitch will be available for use and bookable by contacting the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum team. Alternative options will be shared closer to the time when it becomes unavailable," stated the Forum.

"The small synthetic pitch, running track and changing facilities will not be available for use during the proposed redevelopment. Synthetic pitches are available at Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea; and the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown where there will be enhanced opening hours including Sundays.

"Grass pitches will be available for use throughout the proposed redevelopment and bookable via the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum team. Changing facilities will not be available."

To find out more or for any enquiries, visit the ‘Fermanagh Lakeland Forum – Proposed Redevelopment’ section on the Council website here.

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