AMBITIOUS plans to spend over £1 million to redevelop the former Enniskillen Workhouse building at the old Erne Hospital site and transform it into a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and technology businesses have been outlined to members of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

The proposals, contained in a report to the local authority’s Regeneration and Community Committee, would see the Council working in partnership with South West College (SWC), which is developing a new campus on the old hospital site, near the Workhouse, due for completion in 2019.

The Council has already submitted a first-round application to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Enterprise Programme for the restoration and development of the former Workhouse building.

If this first-round application is successful, the Council will be awarded funding towards developing the more detailed second-round application.

This funding will cover consultancy fees, staff time, statutory costs and some minor capital works.

It has been estimated that it will cost £1.25 million to fully restore the building, which is currently in “very poor” condition.

The report, presented to Committee members at this month’s meeting, stated that, once the work was completed, part of the building would be allocated to telling the story of the history of the Workhouse.

However, it added that most of the refurbished property, which is owned by the Council, would be used for “enterprise”.

It is proposed that the enterprise element would include a “pre-incubation hub” providing support for new entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, as well as a “dedicated space” for established technology-focused businesses.

“The clients for the incubation hub will primarily be graduates from SWC but will also include graduates from other Colleges who wish to return to the local area,” the reported added.

As part of the first-round application process for HLF funding, both the Council and the SWC are required to submit a letter of commitment stating that they will contribute towards the running costs of the Workhouse for up to 10 years after the completion of the project.

The report stated: “The maximum commitment required will be £225,000 over the 10-year period. The aim of this letter is to demonstrate to HLF the commitment of both partners to the long-term sustainability of the building.”

These running costs include the salary of a business manager, who would be required to seek funding opportunities to support the running costs of the premises to reduce the financial commitment from both the Council and South West College.

Sufficient budget provision has been set aside for the project in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Council estimates, Committee members were informed.

As well as building a more vibrant economy, the project aims to to engage with the local community and help them document their memories of the Workhouse.

“Through focused activities, the project will enable people to learn from others, connect their local history and help to reduce feelings of isolation. Community self-image and civic pride in the area will also improve,” the report added.