The complex which is expected to bring a five screen cinema, garden centre, coffee shop restaurant and other leisure outlets to Enniskillen is planned to be located on the old Unipork site, off the Cornagrade road. If given the green light by planners the vacant site could be set to transform social life in the town. 

After the Herald broke the story last week locals took to social media to weigh in on the proposed plans. One reader remarked that this was, “excellent news and well overdue as it will be great for families with children and will probably attract more tourism into Enniskillen”. Another said, “Always good to see new ideas and structures”.

Other readers listed out a wish list of developments for the site. These included, a swimming pool, bowling alley, fitness area and soft play area, to name just a few. 

Another reader voiced his opinion about the development, saying, “Great idea but as usual the backward thinking of Fermanagh people will scare off development. We should welcome anything for families to Enniskillen at the moment families have to drive a minimum of Omagh for any form of a day out which isn’t always suitable when children are small. 

“Fermanagh already feels like a retirement home as more and more young families move away it only gets worse. Honestly what appeal is there in our main town?”

The development was listed for discussion at a council meeting in Enniskillen last week where Councillor Alex Baird raised questions. He said, “There was a similar proposal in the dying years of Fermanagh Council for an extension of Erneside which would have provided a cinema and a boutique style hotel something similar to this. Have we any information, or has this died a death?” 

Responding a fellow councillor said, “My understanding is that application was being made on behalf of Diageo Pension Fund who were the owners of the shopping centre at that time, but are no longer.”

Cllr Baird replied, “We have a multi-screen cinema, there was one proposed and here is another.”

Members of the public are invited to attend a public exhibition relating to the development on 26 March from 2pm – 8pm at Enniskillen Library.