Leopardstown Racecourse will start work early in the New Year on the next phase of the overall €20 million redevelopment of the venue.
It was confirmed yesterday that a grant of €4.7 million would be made available from the Horse Racing Ireland Capital Development fund.
This phase will see the addition of a new restaurant in addition to bar, betting and entertainment areas for racegoers. A new saddling area beside the parade ring will bring racegoers closer to the horses as they are prepared for racing. There will also be a new weigh-room building providing first-class facilities for jockeys, racing administrators and the media.
The area beneath the grandstand nearest the main entrance, will be completely redeveloped to create a space for racegoers to enjoy a range of extensive food and bar outlets, ease of access to betting options and extensive seating to accommodate large crowds in comfort. This area will allow an easy flow of racegoers between the marquee area and the racetrack.
A visually striking part of the development will be the installation of a permanent marquee-style pavilion for racegoers between the parade ring and the main entrance. Raceday previews, musical entertainment, fashion, food events and children’s entertainment will be accommodated. The marquee will also cater for after-racing music events such as the Bulmers Summer Series.
This phase will cost a total of €12 million. So far in 2015 work has been undertaken on creating other new bars, restaurants and racegoers facilities that will be ready in time for the Christmas Festival which runs over four days starting on St Stephen’s Day, December 26th.
“Leopardstown has been consistently improving its facilities over recent years and further improvements will be evident to racegoers at the forthcoming Christmas Festival,” said Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh.
“This final phase of work will mean that all of Leopardstown’s facilities will have been upgraded over a five year period as befits the home of some of our best national hunt fixtures and the Longines Irish Champions Weekend.”
Read about the success of the Longines Champions’ Weekend.
“We are delighted to have received support from the HRI Capital Development Scheme,” added Pat Keogh CEO at Leopardstown which is owned by Horse Racing Ireland.
“Our vision is to create a facility in Leopardstown that will showcase the best that Irish racing has to offer. The international interest in this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend shows the potential of the sport.”
“When we complete the development being announced today, we will have a facility in Dublin that will compare very favourably with the best national and international sports venues.”
“Leopardstown makes a valuable contribution to our local economy and we hope that the benefits of this development will be enjoyed by the hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in our community. It will also generate employment both during the development phase and into the future.”
It is forecast that this phase of the project will create approximately 145 direct and indirect jobs.
Sport for Business is a membership organisation linking leaders from sport and business across the island of Ireland. To be part of this group and gain full access to our site and services contact us today.
