Local construction firm picked for £750k Enniskillen Cancer Support Centre project

A £750k tender to deliver phase one of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s new Cancer Support Centre, which will be situated at 18 High Street, Enniskillen, has been won by Fermanagh based contractor Farry Construction.

The charity, who will invest almost £7m into the project and community over the next twenty years, announced that building and renovation phase will commence in the coming weeks with a scheduled open date for late 2024.

Commenting on the decision, Richard Spratt, Chief Executive at Cancer Focus NI explained:

“When our charity launched a new five-year strategy last summer, we highlighted our commitment to becoming truly local across Northern Ireland. For us, that means more than delivering services in communities. It means hiring talent in those areas, partnering with businesses, and becoming part of the fabric of those places where we are situated. One key element of our work is the building itself and that is why we were keen to find the right talent and suppliers able to help us deliver on our goal of opening our charity’s first Cancer Support Centre right in Enniskillen’s town centre. Stephen Farry and the team at Farry Construction were the right fit for our ambitious plans and we cannot wait to see what they achieve in the coming months.”

The charity has been investing in the local community for the past twelve months, collaborating with local firm Chris Allen Architects on the design of the charity’s first Cancer Support Centre. No stranger to the charity, Chris Allen and the team at Farry Construction worked on the charity’s Retail Store project, which opened on 18 Shore Road in August 2023 and has quickly become a firm favourite for volunteering and donations. The charity has also recruited local talent to help support its fundraising, retail, and cancer prevention activities in the Enniskillen and Fermanagh area.

Speaking about the contract win, Stephen Farry, Managing director at Farry Construction said:

“I am delighted to be working again with the Cancer Focus NI team and pleased to be part of a major investment in a new therapeutic centre which will benefit people in the west of the province. It will be an exciting new addition to Enniskillen High Street, situated in a prominent location. The team at Farry Construction and sub-contractors are looking forward to the project evolving and transforming the existing structure to a new innovative space designed by Chris Allen Architects.”

Visiting the site recently was actor, author, and proud Enniskillen man, Ciaran McMenamin, who commented “I am amazed at Cancer Focus NI’s plans to create a sanctuary for the people of Enniskillen and Fermanagh. Seeing the property, which is right on the High Street, has cemented my belief in how important spaces like this are for people going through a cancer journey. This Cancer Support Centre will be life-changing, delivering services such as counselling, family support, and patient driving, and I look forward to seeing how local businesses and people rally to support this absolute gem for the town and wider region.”

Visit www.cancerfocusni.org/symptoms for more information on common signs and symptoms of cancer. If you are concerned about cancer, you can call the free Cancer Focus NI Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339 (Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm) or email  nurseline@cancerfocusni.org.