At a function held in Dublin today, Pierce Molony, Senior Steward of the Turf Club, unveiled the exciting plan to turn the Curragh into a state of the art facilty.
The plan which represents an investment of almost €100 million over the next three years will transform the headquarters of Irish racing into a unique new venue that will be open for business all year round.
He also announced that thanks to the recent decision by An Bord Pleanala that work on the project would commence on 1st April this year. The first work will see the creation of a new road behind the existing grandstand.
Planning permission for the new grandstand will be lodged this month. It is hoped to commence work on the new grandstand before the end of the year.
The existing grandstand will be demolished at the end of this year's flat season. Depending on planning permission work on the new grandstand will then begin. It is planned to have phase one of the new grandstand operational for the 2007 Irish Derby. Racing will not be disrupted. No Group One meetings will be lost during the construction phase.
The spectacular new grandstand is being constructed on five levels. The first phase - the Round Tower - will be built close to the existing parade ring. Designed on five levels, each over a quarter of an acre in size the new facility will feature extensive hospitality features including a panoramic 900 capacity restaurant on the top floor.
Phase two, four stories over a basement, will feature two Tote halls and will also have extensive corporate hospitality features. It is planned that the second phase will be complete for Summer 2008.
The entire development was sparked off by His Highness, the Aga Khan, with his generous gift of the Stand House Hotel to the Turf Club. The development is being financed by the Aga Khan's gift; by the Turf Club itself; by sponsorship from the racing industry, by a grant from Horse Racing Ireland and by bank borrowings.
The Horse Racing Ireland grant is subject to approval by the board of Horse Racing Ireland. The design plans for the stand were recently presented to the board of Horse Racing Ireland and a formal application for grant aid from HRI will be presented shortly.
Following the recent An Bord Pleanala decision the Turf Club will also develop a new hotel on the site. Work on this will also commence at the end of this year's flat season. The intention is to retain part of the existing Stand House Hotel and to incorporate this in the new development.
The hotel will remain open for business during the construction phase.
Speaking at the unveiling of the plans Pierce Molony said The Turf Club, paid tribute to His Highness The Aga Khan who had first muted the idea of redeveloping the Curragh into a facility commensurate with the worldwide reputation enjoyed by the Irish racing industry.
Mr Molony said that His Highness had gone further than merely suggesting the development, he also provided a very tangible gesture of support with his purchase of the Stand House Hotel and his presentation of this to the Turf Club.
Mr Molony also thanked Kildare County Council for their understanding and assistance during all stages of the planning process.
He noted the importance of the hotel in the new development. "This is going to be a wonderful facility at which to showcase our industry. It is a major investment in Irish sport and we are conscious that it needs to pay its way. Hence the development of a new hotel which will mean that we will be open for business 365 days a year."
At the briefing Mr Molony also noted that the Turf Club would be submitting a planning application to rebuild new offices later this month. The existing Turf Club offices burnt down in a fire in October 2005.
