Family-owned construction and development firm Elm Grange Company has built Lakelands Retail Park, its first big commercial project, with funding from Bank of Ireland UK.
The firm, based in Moy, Co Tyrone, has invested more than £10m to develop the retail park on the derelict Unipork site at Cornagrade Road in Enniskillen.
Elm Grange Company said it had supported more than 100 construction roles during the build, with suppliers from the area used throughout.
And the park is fully let to major retailers including The Range, EZ Living, Harry Corry, Donegal-based Foy Interiors, Costa Coffee and Home Bargains, all bringing new jobs to the area.
Home Bargains was the first to open at the retail park, and began trading in July.
Artist’s impression aerial view of Lakelands Retail Park, Enniskillen
Managing director John Curran said: “We have completed construction of phase one at Lakelands Retail Park, and we’re delighted to bring opportunities with high-profile new retailers into the area, supported from the beginning of the development by the team at Bank of Ireland.
“This development has been years in the making, involving a complex planning process and the hard work of many skilled professionals.
“We’re proud to have worked with such a talented and committed team to deliver a retail park of the highest quality.
“The strong footfall seen by Home Bargains since it opened its doors is testament to the demand for this type of retail offer in the local area.”
From left, John Curran and Frank Curran of Elm Grange Company, with Gareth Wilson, business manager, Bank of Ireland
Gareth Wilson, business manager at Bank of Ireland UK, said: “We are delighted to have supported Elm Grange with this extensive commercial development and we continue to work closely with John and the team as the next phase of the project evolves.
“Lakelands Retail Park is now home to several highly successful retailers, bringing greater choice to local shoppers.
“At Bank of Ireland, we work closely with our customers to help them achieve their business ambitions and growth potential, supporting them at each step in their business journey.”
The company said there had been a “lengthy and complex” planning process in which it had worked closely with consultants, designers, legal advisers and others.
It thanked the firms who provided the “expertise and commitment” to help make the scheme a reality.
From left, John Curran and Frank Curran of Elm Grange Company, and Gareth Wilson, business manager, Bank of Ireland
News Catch Up – Monday 22nd September
But the new retail park has been met with some opposition. In 2021, Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, called it a “competing town centre” which would damage business in the centre of Enniskillen itself.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s planning committee had voted to approve the planning application for the retail park, despite the recommendation of officials to turn it down.
In 2022, the Department for Infrastructure decided against ‘calling in’ the application in order to make its own decision on it.
Bacon processor Unipork first opened a factory on the site in 1966, eventually closing it down in 2000 with the loss of 200 jobs.