Two bidders remain in the running to acquire the former St Lucia Barracks in Omagh, after a long disposal process narrowed the field.

Land and Property Services is handling the sale of the Derry Road site on behalf of the asset owners. The property was listed in June last year through the Disposal of Surplus Public Sector Property process.

Omagh Enterprise Company has confirmed it submitted an Expression of Interest for the historic site. Chief Executive Nick O’Shiel said the process is at an early stage and a decision is not expected for some time. He noted the bid is in line with community asset requirements, similar to the company’s earlier acquisition of the town’s former health centre, which was turned into the Digi-Hub.

A Department of Finance spokesperson said two Expressions of Interest were received through the internal market mechanism. The preferred purchaser was selected based on their proposal for the entire site and the disposal objectives of the asset owners. No further details are available while the sale remains commercially sensitive.

Earlier this year, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council submitted a formal Expression of Interest but it was not taken forward.

St Lucia Barracks, built toward the end of the 19th century, was vacated by the British Army in 2007. Its listed stone buildings are among Omagh’s most prominent heritage assets. The council’s Place Shaping Plan 2035 previously identified the site as suitable for mixed-use development, including visitor accommodation and a heritage centre.