Last September the Herald revealed the Council were considering five options for the 30-year-old building, which included relocating the theatre to an entirely new location. The Council claimed the building’s rood was leaking, its wiring needed upgraded, parking was “an issue”, and said it had “limited” disabled access. 

The first option the Council put forward was to do nothing to the building, the second option was to refurbish the building, the third was to refurbish and add an extension, and the fourth was to build a new building on the current Ardhowen site. The fifth option the Council put forward last year was to build a new theatre on a new site. The Council insisted at the time it had no plans to sell the Ardhowen site. 

When contacted by the Herald for an update on its plans, the Council said the decision was yet to be finalised, but said it was likely the current building would be retained and refurbished. 

“Various options have been considered for works to the Ardhowen,” said a spokesman, who added an economic appraisal on the best way to proceed and associated costs was currently being “scrutinised and finalised.” 

“The likely best option will involve refurbishment of the current theatre,” they continued.  “At this time Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is unable to provide a definitive start date or duration for the works prior to the finalisation of the economic appraisal process.”

The spokesman added: “The economic appraisal is also considering a range of options to ensure the provision of performing arts in Enniskillen and across the area during any period of closure.”