Economic renaissance with
UNITS within a major new retail development, as well as a long-awaited Mcdonald’s drivethru in Enniskillen, could be open by as early as this year. Work is ongoing on two major projects in the town, including the Lakeland Leisure and Retail Park, situated at the former Unipork site, and a new Mcdonald’s restaurant, situated at the former location of TP Toppings garage.
It is understood that some units at the Leisure Park, including The Range, and Home Bargains, could be complete by as early as Christmas, while Mcdonalds could be complete near the end of the year.
According to Mark Thallon, from agents TDK Property, site work at the retail park is “progressing at pace”, with a “target handover” for the units in the first phase (units 2-5) of late summer.
“This will allow both The Range, at unit 5, and Home Bargains, units 2-3, to fit out, and they plan to open prior to Christmas,” Mr. Thallon told The Impartial Reporter.
“We are in advanced stages of discussions with several other parties and hope to be able to make announcements on these closer to the summer.”
The main contractor for the retail park is Roxborough Plant and Construction, while the steelwork was carried out by local contractor, RM Steel Erection Ltd., Ballinamallard.
A spokesperson from the local firm said they are “proud” to have been involved in the project.
“The job went well, and it was nice to be involved with a project that was so local to us,” the spokesperson said.
“The retail park will be a great boost to our town, and we are proud to have been involved in the process.”
It is envisaged that the retail park will include two garden centres, an indoor adventure playground, a 54-bedroom hotel, a five-screen cinema, an eight-lane bowling alley, a coffee pod, drive-thru restaurant, self service pay at a pump filling station, and 751 parking spaces.
Meanwhile, at the Dublin Road, Enniskillen, it is hoped that the introduction of a new Mcdonald’s drive-thru will be complete “by Q4”.
‘Q4 completion’
A Mcdonald’s spokesperson said: “Whilst works have begun, we currently have no fixed opening date, but are working towards a completion in Q4 this year.”
The Mcdonald’s development will entail a modern freestanding singlestorey Mcdonald’s restaurant with drive-thru, car parking, landscaping and associated works, including customer order displays.
It will occupy a space of 371sq m and feature 76 covers for diners to enjoy their meals within a relaxed, modern environment.
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine welcomed the progress that has been made on both developments.
“It is good to see work progressing on the Lakeland Leisure site in
Enniskillen, which has provided construction employment opportunities and increased job provision in Enniskillen,” she said.
“I know from speaking to many constituents there is a great sense of anticipation for the completion.
“My hope is it will add to our local High Street, which is rich in local, family businesses and will increase our tourist product.”
Mrs. Erskine continued: “It is wonderful to see the old TP Topping site being redeveloped, which will certainly be a boost to Enniskillen.
“I know many people who have said for quite some time that they would like the convenience of a drive-thru for Enniskillen Mcdonald’s, so this development will be welcome.
“Throughout the project, I have been in touch with Mcdonald’s representatives, to ensure the project reached this stage.
“As a public representative who continues to fight for investment and job creation in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, it is good to see that further jobs will be created from this project, which will boost our local economy overall.”