John Graham Construction Ltd will transform the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, based in the heart of Enniskillen, into a state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing facility on its existing site as part of a £70 million project, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has announced.

The highly innovative project includes funding of £20m from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund and represents the most significant capital investment ever undertaken by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

The investment, located on the water's edge of the River Erne, will see the current Lakeland Forum replaced with the first Passivhaus standard leisure facility in Northern Ireland, bringing the highest environmental and sustainability standards to the design and build.

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The new facility will include:

• Eight-lane 25m swimming pool, separate learner pool and splash pad area for young children.

• Fully equipped gym and fitness suite.

• Community and multipurpose activity spaces.

• State-of-the-art destination play park.

• Urban sports park.

• Full-size synthetic sports pitch.

• New cycling, walking and running trails.

• Active waterfront and outdoor events area.

• Improved pedestrian links to Enniskillen town centre.

The project, which was developed following extensive public engagement, will provide economic and social benefits to the local area during construction through job creation, apprenticeship opportunities, skills development and school engagement initiatives.

The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum will close on Wednesday, April 30, to facilitate the construction works and it is anticipated the new centre will be complete in 2028.