Restoration Progress at Enniskillen Workhouse
In April 2021, QMAC Construction was appointed Main Contractor for the Enniskillen Workhouse Project – a collaborative heritage restoration project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and South West College. The project is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.
The construction work involves the restoration of the Grade B2 Listed Enniskillen Workhouse building, with part of the ground floor being redeveloped as mixed-use exhibition, reminiscence, and display space. Here, some of the surviving workhouse records and minute books will be displayed and a dedicated heritage trail will be used to tell the story of the Workhouse and the people who were housed there. The remaining first floor space is being revitalised as a state-of-the-art hub for business innovation and enterprise.
Throughout the construction project, a dedicated heritage skills and education programme is enabling bursary holders, local craftspeople, and contractors to benefit from accredited training in heritage skills.
Sean Mullen, Contracts Director at QMAC Construction, commented on progress to date:
“This is a very exciting project to be involved in as the Enniskillen Workhouse is very much a heritage building. Currently the project is in the middle of the construction phase with the building now weathertight. Specialist restoration craftspeople have been involved for trades including stonework, leadwork, specialist joinery, roof repairs, doors & windows, plastering, and lime work. Along with our dedicated supply chain, we are looking forward to completing the remainder of the work with the aim of handing over the building in summer 2022.”
Consultants involved in the project include:
- Kriterion Conservation Architects – Architect & Principal Designer
- ESC Construction Consultants – Project Manager & Quantity Surveyor
- RPS Group – Civil & Structural Consulting Engineer
- Semple & McKillop – M&E Consulting Engineer
- Designmap – Interpretive Designer
The photos taken on 6th December 2021 show progress of the delicate restoration work to date.
Click below to view a video by South West College where bursary student Tammy Swift talks about her experience working at the Enniskillen Workhouse while studying Wood Occupations – Heritage Joinery at South West College.