Graham is set to complete the design for a £50 million health and leisure hub in Northern Ireland, marking a significant redevelopment project at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.
- The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has appointed Graham for redesigning the decades-old complex as part of a major redevelopment.
- Backed by £20 million from the UK government, the project aims to boost regional health and economic status.
- Key facilities include advanced swimming pools, gym, public spaces and pedestrian connections to Enniskillen town centre.
- The new centre aims to be Ireland’s only Passivhaus-certified leisure facility, focusing on sustainability and health improvement.
Graham, a major player in the construction industry, has been awarded the contract to finalise the design of a new health and leisure complex in Northern Ireland. Appointed by the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the project at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum is estimated to be valued at £50 million. Should the council approve the full business case within the year, construction will commence, heralding a significant transformation for the region.
The funding for this ambitious project includes £20 million of levelling-up grants from the UK government, with the remainder being financed by the council. The redevelopment reflects a strategic investment in an economic uplift for the area. The existing facility, dating back to 1976, has been deemed outdated, thereby necessitating this comprehensive overhaul to meet contemporary standards and regional needs.
The new complex promises state-of-the-art amenities, featuring an eight-lane swimming pool alongside a separate learner pool, enhanced gym facilities, and versatile spaces designed for health organisations. It will also include public realm improvements such as a playground, a waterfront area, and improved pedestrian connectivity to the nearby Enniskillen town centre, thus promising increased accessibility and leisure options for the community.
Sustainability is at the core of this development, with the council and Graham aspiring for it to be Ireland’s first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre. This certification underscores a commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, aligning with broader ecological objectives and addressing the council’s goal to enhance health outcomes in economically disadvantaged regions while simultaneously drawing more visitors.
Graham, headquartered in County Down, remains integral to the project’s local focus. With a notable ranking of 21st in the CN100 2023 list of top UK contractors by turnover, Graham’s involvement is expected to ensure quality and relevance in meeting local expectations. Despite recent financial figures showing a stable revenue with slight margin reductions, Graham’s strong performance suggests a steady hand in managing this significant undertaking.
The Fermanagh health complex redevelopment sets a progressive benchmark for regional revitalisation through strategic design and sustainability.
