A bid to build a new cinema and bowling alley at a controversial out of town retail development in Enniskillen has been dropped, The Irish News can confirm.
Elm Grange Limited’s ongoing project at the former Unipork factory site originally included plans for five retail units, a hotel, a six screen cinema, an indoor play centre, a bowling alley and two garden centres.
But the developer behind the project has now submitted a new application, seeking to replace much of the leisure offering with a large Lidl supermarket.
It’s understood the Derry-based leisure operator previously linked to the cinema and bowling alley proposal is no longer involved in the Lakelands scheme.
The cinema and bowling alley aspect was understood to be a significant factor in swaying councillors on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s planning committee to overturn the recommendation of planning officials by just a single vote in 2021.
Officials said the retail park breached planning policy, stating it would “have a significant adverse impact on the trade and turnover of the town centre and, as a result, its vitality and viability”.
The Department for Infrastructure withdrew its ‘holding direction’ in 2022, allowing the project to proceed.
The Range, Harry Corry, EZ Living Interiors and Home Bargains have already signed up as tenants for the site, which is located between the South West Acute Hospital and Enniskillen’s town centre.
Costa has also been lined up to operate a new drive-thru unit.
With construction well under way, Elm Grange has now formally submitted a new planning application, proposing to swap out the approved cinema and bowling alley for a new Lidl supermarket.
The German retailer is actively replacing its older store estate right across the north with new build supermarkets, often involving relocating to a new site.
But in report submitted as part of the new Lakelands application, Elm Grange proposes a condition whereby Lidl will commit to retaining its current Enniskillen town centre supermarket for five years alongside the new build outlet just one mile away.
Lidl has been trading at the Railway Junction Retail Park since 2003.
The retailer declined to comment on the new planning proposal.
The application proposes a new ‘type 17’ Lidl store for the Lakelands site, which is the largest scale of supermarket currently developed by the retailer.
- Green light for £15.5m Enniskillen retail park despite warning it could "decimate" town centreOpens in new window
- The Range sets sights on new Enniskillen retail developmentOpens in new window
- Former Next and Argos units at Sprucefield to be merged under latest plans by retail park ownerOpens in new window
Elm Grange said it will involve a £5m investment by Lidl in the Co Fermanagh town.
The businessmen behind the development company include Mark Curran of Co Armagh motor parts company CMP, and Frank Curran, head of Moy developer Roxborough Plant & Construction.
Glyn Roberts, from Retail NI, the body which represents independent traders, said the Lakelands scheme will still have a negative impact on Enniskillen’s town centre.
“It is a competing town centre to Enniskillen which will displace local independent retailers, jobs and footfall,” he said.
“The very fact that they are proposing more retail makes this project even more of a danger to Enniskillen’s town centre.
“This type of out of town retail belongs to the past. The future of our town centres is a vibrant mix of retail and hospitality, creating an experience for shoppers,” added the retail chief.
“We will consult our members in Enniskillen on this new application and will make a further statement soon.”
