Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed that there will be "opportunities for public engagement" with both the design development and planning approval process of the Ardhowen Theatre redevelopment project.

It is anticipated that works on the site of the Fermanagh theatre will commence in 2023 with the theatre reopening in 2025.

Giving an update on the project, which is estimated to cost £7.14 million, a Council spokesperson told The Impartial Reporter: "Due diligence checks have been completed on the preferred bidder for the tender for an Integrated Consultants Team (Design Team) for the redevelopment of the Ardhowen Theatre and the lead company of that team has been notified.

"Formal approval to enter into contract is being sought from the relevant committee of Council this month. The Council will issue a press release following this approval."

The spokesperson noted that as part of the project design development process, the Integrated Consultants Team will "review the programme, costs and scope of the project".

"There will be opportunities for public engagement with the project through both design development and the planning approval process."

When asked if the Council has found alternative venues in Enniskillen to host performances when the theatre temporarily closes, the spokesperson responded: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council continues to explore options for arts programme delivery during the period which the Ardhowen is closed. These include both venue and non-venue based options."

The Impartial Reporter asked the Council to clarify what "non-venue based options" are.

The Council spokesperson said: "Non-venue based incudes a wide range of possibilities including education, outreach, working with partner organisations etc."