The old Enniskillen workhouses is to be transformed into a modern business enterprise and heritage centre.

Belfast-based Kriterion Conservation Architects will develop project plans and drawings to support a round two application to be submitted by the Council, in partnership with South West College, to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in October 2019 in a bid to secure the full £2.3m grant necessary to bring the project to life.

The project proposal for Enniskillen Workhouse is to sensitively refurbish the building, bringing approximately 480m2 of floor space back into use as a centre for business innovation and enterprise, while part of the building will be redeveloped as mixed-use exhibition, reminiscence and display space. 

The surviving workhouse records and minute books will be displayed and used to tell the story of the workhouse and the people who were housed there for the first time.

Throughout the proposed restoration works, a dedicated heritage skills and education programme will enable more than 100 local craftspeople and contractors to benefit from accredited training, and 12 apprenticeships will be created. 

Enniskillen Workhouse was designed by architect George Wilkinson and opened in 1844. 

The main workhouse was demolished in 1964 and all that remains today is the listed entrance block which is currently ‘at risk’ and in need of urgent repair.

Development funding of £221,000 was awarded by the HLF at the end of 2017, to help it to work up firm proposals for the project, which is being delivered in partnership with South West College.

Members of the public who have memories, photographs or artefacts relating to Workhouses in Fermanagh are encouraged to get involved and are invited to contact Catherine Scott, Museum Services, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.