Plans to transform historic St Lucia Barracks in Omagh into innovation park
Plans to redevelop St Lucia Barracks in Omagh into a business and innovation park have been discussed during a ministerial visit to the historic former military site.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald visited the site to hear proposals from Omagh Enterprise Company for its regeneration.
The plans could see the former barracks transformed into a centre for business development, investment and innovation, creating new opportunities for Omagh and the wider west of Northern Ireland.
However, the project remains at an early stage, with a Community Asset Transfer process ongoing and a business plan still being finalised.
St Lucia Barracks redevelopment proposals
Part of the St Lucia Barracks site is currently owned by the Department for Infrastructure.
Omagh Enterprise Company has expressed an interest in acquiring the site through the Community Asset Transfer process, with the aim of developing a business enterprise and innovation park.
The organisation is exploring how the historic buildings and surrounding land could be brought back into productive use while supporting economic development.
The proposals form part of a wider ambition to establish an Innovation Quarter in Omagh, potentially incorporating enterprise facilities, commercial activity and other regeneration opportunities.
Omagh Enterprise Company is also undertaking a preliminary market testing exercise to assess interest from developers, investors and potential partners.
The exercise is intended to identify possible development approaches, funding requirements and commercial arrangements. It does not constitute a formal procurement process, and no private sector partner has yet been appointed.
Ministers highlight economic opportunities for Omagh
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from Omagh Enterprise Company about its vision for the site.
She said the redevelopment could support economic growth, attract investment and create opportunities for Omagh and the wider west of the Bann region.
The Minister also confirmed that her department would continue engaging with stakeholders as the proposals develop.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the site had the potential to contribute to regeneration in Omagh.
She welcomed the opportunity to see the former barracks first-hand and said both departments would continue working with Omagh Enterprise Company to explore its future.
Historic barracks could become new economic hub
St Lucia Barracks is one of Omagh’s most significant former military sites, with its redevelopment offering the possibility of bringing historic buildings back into active use.
West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley has also welcomed the proposals, highlighting the potential for an Innovation Quarter incorporating enterprise, investment, housing, hospitality and public spaces.
She said the project could help address the challenge of vacant and underused sites while contributing to the town’s economic and social regeneration.
The proposals could provide opportunities for local businesses and organisations, although the eventual scale and nature of any development have not yet been confirmed.
Next steps for St Lucia Barracks
Omagh Enterprise Company is inviting expressions of interest from developers, investors and potential partners as part of its preliminary market testing exercise.
The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
The findings will help determine whether there is a viable route for private sector involvement and what additional work may be required.
Any redevelopment would remain subject to the relevant approvals, funding arrangements and completion of the necessary transfer processes.
For now, the ministerial visit represents another step towards exploring the future of a prominent historic site in Omagh.
External link: Department for Infrastructure — Ministerial visit
Other news: Foyle Food Group announces £15m Omagh investment creating seven jobs