THE decision to approve plans for Lakelands Retail and Leisure Park in Enniskillen has been welcomed by the developer Elm Grange.

Welcoming the positive outcome of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Planning Committee meeting, Frank Curran, of Elm Grange, said: “We are delighted that a decision has been made to approve Lakelands Retail and Leisure Park.

“This project will be transformative for Enniskillen and the region, re-invigorating a derelict site that has lain empty for the past 20 years, and creating new opportunities and jobs.

“Our plans will see a £15.5m investment in the site and the creation of 350 full-time and part-time jobs, once completed.

“They include the provision of retail units, a hotel, a cinema and bowling alley, a coffee pod and a drive-thru restaurant.

“There has been a lot of time and energy put into these plans over the past three years and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this decision.

“I would especially like to thank the public in Enniskillen and across Fermanagh who have supported the proposals. Their support has been a great source of encouragement for everyone involved in the project.

“We have already secured a commitment from The Range to open a store at the site – a first store for the retailer in the Fermanagh and Tyrone region, and this store is sure to attract visitors from across the region into Enniskillen.

“With Canadian coffee giant Tim Hortons also committed to the park, we look forward to making further announcements on tenants over the coming weeks and months.”

The first retail units are expected to open in Q3, 2023.