James Byrne of Modern Tyres in Enniskillen has submitted a proposal of application notice for the project, with Inaltus listed as the agent for the application.
The 1.5 hectares location is described as “land and buildings of the former South West Regional College campus” in the Dublin Road area.
The project is described as “regeneration of former college campus to provided mixed use scheme comprising refurbished college building to provide new hotel, offices and retail unit”.
It would entail demolition of the existing buildings and provision of car parking and circulation areas for vehicles and pedestrians. There would also be a standalone retail unit with car parking. The proposed total floor space is 7,164 sq m.
A proposed consultation is due to take place at the college campus buildings on September 11, with the event to be advertised in local newspapers at the end of August.
Modern Tyres reported turnover of £50.6m in 2022, up from £44.9m. Pre-tax profits fell from £3.5m to £3.2m. Around £32.5m of turnover was achieved in the UK, with £18.2m achieved in the rest of Europe.
Its workforce had grown from 267 to 283. Its principal activity is described as the sale of tyres and “related accessories”.
“The directors consider both the results for the year and future trading prospects to be satisfactory. The balance sheet continues to reflect a strong financial position.”
The company has been asked for further comment on the hotel plans.
Existing Enniskillen hotels include the Westville, Manor House Country Hotel and Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges. The Westville Hotel opened in 2008, a year after the Lough Erne Resort – perhaps the county’s best-known hotel.
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) said earlier this year that there was a dearth of new projects in the Fermanagh and Southwest Ulster region, though there was development at existing venues including Lisbellaw’s Carrybridge.
In its Hotels 2024 report in April, the trade body said there was “no new stock in this area coming to market in the coming year, but continued investment in Lough Erne Resort and The Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges has garnered interest.
“The Carrybridge Hotel’s redevelopment and the recent purchase of Belle Isle Estate could see new stock coming on stream post-2025.”
However, according to reports, the proposed sale of Belle Isle Estate, also in Lisbellaw, subsequently fell through. The property includes a castle, 17 apartments and four private islands and is on sale through Savills for a guide price of £5.95m.
When placed on the market in August last year, it had a guide price of £7.5m.
News Catch Up: Tuesday 9 July 2024