The Lakeland Forum Redevelopment in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, has been highlighted as a key example of sustainable public sector construction at the UK & Ireland Passivhaus Conference, held at ICC Belfast on October 7–8, 2025.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, supported by its design and delivery team, presented the project's technical and environmental credentials to an audience of construction professionals, policymakers, and sustainability experts. John Boyle, Director of Community and Wellbeing at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, joined Matt Bridgestock of Sussed Sustainability and John Gilbert Architects to outline the project's design approach, Passivhaus pool standards, and on-site quality benchmarks.

With £20 million in UK Government funding, the redevelopment will deliver a state-of-the-art Leisure & Wellness Centre on the banks of the River Erne. The new facility is targeting full Passivhaus certification, positioning it to become Northern Ireland's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre and swimming pool – and the first of its kind anywhere on the island of Ireland.

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The design prioritises energy efficiency, environmental performance, and long-term operational value. Alongside its technical ambitions, the development supports the council's wider aims around community health, wellbeing, and sustainable regeneration.

The new Lakeland Forum will feature an eight-lane swimming pool, learner pool, splash pad, gym and wellness facilities, community spaces, soft play area, and café. Outdoor amenities will include a destination playpark, urban sports park, 3G pitch, cycling and walking trails, and an active waterfront linking directly to Enniskillen town centre.

By targeting the Passivhaus standard, the project aims to reduce the building's energy demand through enhanced fabric performance and natural heat recovery, significantly cutting operational carbon emissions. Passive heat sources such as solar gain, occupants, appliances, and heat recovery from extract air will play a major role in maintaining internal comfort levels.

Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: "We are excited to be developing Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's new state-of-the-art Leisure & Wellness Centre in Enniskillen. This project reflects our commitment to climate action, health and wellbeing, and inclusive design. It is a real honour for the Lakeland Forum Redevelopment to be showcased at a regional conference of this calibre. This investment goes beyond infrastructure – it is about delivering the highest standards of energy efficiency and comfort for our residents and visitors, while significantly reducing environmental impact."

The council's participation in the conference reinforces its commitment to performance-led, low-carbon construction and demonstrates how public authorities can deliver climate-resilient, community-focused infrastructure through practical, scalable design.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council extends its thanks to the Passivhaus Trust and the Passive House Association of Ireland for hosting the event and fostering cross-sector collaboration and innovation.