With site preparations and demolition works now concluded, the formal construction phase has commenced on the comprehensive redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen.

Contractors GRAHAM were joined on site by Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, along with representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and Council officers to mark the beginning of building work.

The project is valued at £70 million and is supported by £20m in funding from the UK Government. The completed facility is designed to be a modern leisure, health, and wellbeing hub situated on the banks of the River Erne.

A key environmental feature of the scheme is that the new centre is targeting Passivhaus certification, which would make it Ireland's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre. This commitment ensures outstanding energy efficiency and the minimisation of its ecological footprint.

Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, spoke about the significance of the event: "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."

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Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will boast a wide range of amenities, including swimming pools, a gym and fitness suite, community areas for wellbeing activities, a soft play area, sensory room, and a café. The extensive outdoor facilities will feature a destination playpark, a pump track, a 3G pitch, along with new cycling and walking trails and an active waterfront area.

Gerry Rowe, Regional Director at GRAHAM, highlighted the commitment to sustainability: "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."

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, also commented on the 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."