COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, June 08, 2020
HEADED ITEM NO.14
HEADED ITEM: ECONOMIC, ENTERPRISE & TOURISM DEVELOPMENT/
UPDATE ON TALLAGHT STADIUM
REPLY:
Introduction.
Following full review of the Tallaght Stadium project and, in particular, the cost plan for the project, set out below is the current recommendation. Overall costs are attached but there are three main cost driving issues that required consideration and resolution. These are set out below with the accompanying recommendations.
- Universal Access Seating.
A number of options were intensively tested and costed :
- Front of stand – pitch level : less than optimal and facing into the prevailing wind and rain from the Mountains and will need shelters.
- Centre of stand : creates additional costs with deck, lift and access arrangements. Also, compromises both seat numbers and sight lines in stand overall.
- Large deck at rear of stand – examined both 10 & 20 seat options. Both prohibitively expensive due to structural costs, lift(s) and access/safety requirements. (€280K and €460K). Also, from a stadium management point of view the arrangement would be difficult to manage at lower profile events. It would also leave universal access attendees isolated at the back of the North Stand at such events.
Accordingly, the recommendation is that we provide enhanced, sheltered universal access at pitch level at the North and existing stands.
- North Stand- undercroft/wing walls/ covered stairs.
It is proposed that SRFC be relocated to the North Stand undercroft facing onto the N81 as part of the commercial space available in the Stand. A significant element of the space to facilitate the relocation of SRFC from their existing offices/shop in the Stadium campus. Accordingly, it is not possible to design the Stand in line with the existing South Stand. Access arrangement are also altered requiring stairs at the Stand edges. For safety, shelter and viewing arrangements these require the Stand to be abutted by Wing Walls at each end. These walls will also significantly enhance the visual aspect of the Stadium from the N81.
Undercroft fit out : €500K
Wingwalls/Roof to stairs : €450K
Accordingly, the recommendation is that we design the North Stand including the undercroft fit out, covered stairs and wing walls.
- West Stand -Corporate Arrangements.
It is acknowledged that a central premise of the project was enhanced Corporate facilities at West Stand including an additional floor with full pitch view. Following limited opening up of the current Stand structure additional necessary works at prohibitive cost have been identified. (c€500K). It must be noted that these costs have been identified following limited investigation. It is not possible to quantity what further works/costs might be required but a significant contingency would be required prior to proceeding with the additional floor.
However, by relocating SRFC as outlined above, it is practicable to provide enhanced corporate facilities, kitchen fit out and dumb waiter and meet EUFA requirements within the existing building envelope at a much reduced and far more predictable cost. It is also felt that the revised layout will provide much enhanced Stadium management options and enhance the visitor experience. West Stand project costs on this basis stand at €1.7M, (Feasibility cost 1.8M.)
Accordingly, the recommendation is that we omit the additional floor but relocate SRFC and maximise use of the existing West Stand structure for Corporate and EUFA requirements.
Recommendation :
For the reasons outlined above that we proceed on the basis set out in the attached cost plan. This delivers :
- Full seat numbers in the North Stand with covered stairs, wing walls, and a fitted out undercroft.
- Redevelopment of West Stand with enhanced Corporate facilities, meeting EUFA standards with fully serviced kitchen.
- Upgraded universal access in existing stands.
- Optimal use of available space between SDCC Stadium Management and SRFC.
TOTAL COST : €7.7M (€2M over feasibility)
Subject to the members approval it is proposed to commence the Part 8 process before the end of June 2020. The slides with this report are the images of the proposed development.