QMAC Construction will create flexible workspace and heritage centre in 19th century listed building
A long-established CIOB Chartered Building Company (CBC) has been appointed to carry out a £2m+ project to restore the Category B2 listed Enniskillen Workhouse building in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Funding is being provided from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
QMAC Construction will create a “flexible and dynamic” workspace to support emerging businesses and entrepreneurs within the 465 sq m building, which is currently ‘at risk’ and in need of urgent repair.
A heritage centre will be created to tell the story of the former workhouse, which once housed up to 1,000 people.
“We view this project as particularly important as it involves the transformation of a building which is recognised as a central part of the history of Enniskillen”
The existing building contains accommodation over two storeys with ancillary areas located within the constraints of a rear yard.
The work will include the removal of unsympathetic additions and previous alterations as well as the construction of a new glazed lobby, a two-storey lift and a stair block within the rear yard. The internal space will be reconfigured and refurbished to provide accommodation for an enterprise hub in partnership with South West College.
New facilities will comprise a reception, an enterprise hub with multiple workstations, heritage gathering spaces, heritage interpretative areas, breakout spaces, meeting spaces, circulation areas, external courtyards, toilet and kitchenette areas, plant space and ancillary accommodation. On completion the internal floor area will be approximately 500 sq m.
During the construction phase, South West College will deliver a heritage education and skills programme to train construction workers in heritage skills. Apprentices will also complete an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Heritage Skills.
Rhona Quinn FCIOB, managing director, said QMAC Construction is pleased to be working on the “exciting” project. “We view this project as particularly important as it involves the transformation of a building which is recognised as a central part of the history of Enniskillen,” she said.
