NI Leisure Centre Plans Delayed Again Due to Financial Worries
Plans for a new leisure centre in Enniskillen face further delays amid financial concerns from local authorities
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, Leisure Centre, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, GRAHAM, Passivhaus
Enniskillen: So, the plans for that fancy new leisure centre have hit another snag. The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council just can’t seem to get it together financially.
They were all set to revamp the old Lakeland Forum, which has been around since 1976. They even got the green light for the Passivhaus design last month. But now, it looks like we’re in for more waiting.
GRAHAM, the contractor, was supposed to finalize the design, and everyone was feeling hopeful. But now, the council is saying they won’t decide on the funding until early 2025. That’s a long time to wait!
And here’s the kicker: the Lakeland Forum is set to close in December for over two years. They’ve put up signs saying it might not reopen until February 2025 if everything goes according to plan.
Local folks are getting anxious. The project is estimated to cost around £52 million, and even with £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, the council will still have to cough up a lot more cash.
People are worried about what the new centre will look like. The council has said it won’t have a sauna or steam room, which a lot of members love. But it will have a new swimming pool, a learner pool, and even a splash pad for the kids.
Plus, there are plans for a community space, a play park, and a sports pitch. It sounds great, but will it ever happen? Only time will tell!