The East Bridge Street property, formerly home to Cafe Cellini, was the subject of an ambitious plan to develop into a riverside bar-restaurant complex three years ago. The current owner declined to comment  and it is unclear why the plan was shelved but since then the site has been lying derelict.

While currently an eyesore, there is no doubt the property, on the East Bridge and with one side overlooking the Erne, has massive development potential and selling agent Eadie McFarland describe it as a ‘gateway’ site to the county town.

“When you come on to the Enniskillen Island this is the first site that you meet. It’s an exciting site and it would be good to see someone come in who can make a substantial redevelopment investment,” said William McFarland.

The sale and redevelopment of the vacant property would bring jobs and new life to the east side of the town. While future plans of for the property are unknown at this time there had been previous plans put forward to transform the site into a three storey bar, restaurant and nightclub complex. Plans at the time showed a striking riverside structure to the side of the existing building.

The site had previously been granted planning permission for proposed part demolition of the existing building at lower ground floor level and change of use from cafe/bakery to offsales and nightclub to include extended stores, emergency exit and external smoking area. Mr McFarland said that this would still be possible due to previous planning permission.  

“We envisage that a new developer will have their own concept for the site but it does lend itself to a range of potential uses. Subject to planning it could be anything from a retail outlet to office space. 

“Given its location on the river bank and that the property has a pier it would be likely that it would be developed for food, hospitality or leisure,” he said.