Cogent Management Consulting is currently carrying out research on behalf of the Council to explore and consider the type of changes that should be made to the Ardhowen Theatre to ensure that it better meets the needs of its citizens both now and in the future. 

The Herald previously reported that there was fears the Ardhowen site could be sold off by the Council to a private developer and the theatre moved elsewhere, it has been revealed. 

A small, unpublicised meeting was held between an officer of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and frequent users of the theatre on August 22nd 2018 and at that meeting it was stated the theatre’s roof was leaking and the building was in need of repair. 

At that time, five options were given for its future. 

The first was to do nothing, the second was to refurbish the building, the third was refurbishment with an extension, and the fourth was a new building on the same site. The fifth suggestion by the Council officer was to build a new theatre on a new site. A cost of £2.1 million was reportedly mentioned. The Council then released a statement saying they had no plans to sell the Ardhowen site.

The Council is now keen to get public views on the existing provision at the Ardhowen Theatre, including any changes that people feel should be made to enhance the venue.

There are a number of ways to complete the survey, you can complete online at www.fermanaghomagh.com or www.ardhowen.com or call into the Ardhowen Theatre, the Townhall, Enniskillen or the Connect Centre, Omagh to complete online or alternatively hardcopy surveys are available. The results of the questionnaire will feed into the overall research to inform potential redevelopment options.

The survey closes at 5 pm on Wednesday May 15th 2019. For more information telephone 0300 303 1777, text phone 028 8225 6216 or email info@fermanaghomagh.com.