Proposed Cusack Park stand makeover to cost €3.5 million
The news of the GAA’s anchor tenancy at Columb Barracks, Mullingar was complemented last week by the announcement of a proposed €3.5 million stand redevelopment at Cusack Park.
With the design stage for the project complete, Westmeath GAA officials will now talk to Croke Park about possible funding for the venture, which will see the extension of Cusack Park’s existing stand to accommodate 500 more supporters, the construction of a second storey complex, and the modernisation of the ground’s front facade.
Speaking at last Wednesday night’s Westmeath County Board meeting, chairman Sean Sheridan said that the revamped stand will hold a total of 3,000 people, with double the amount of shelter protecting patrons from the elements.
The height of the stand will be raised by 12.5 metres, allowing a second storey to be introduced.
“The proposal is marked by a new roof, which will incorporate a feature arched space truss,” said Mel McGerr of Murphy + McGerr Architecture, Athlone, the consultants attached to the project. “This will create an exciting backdrop for both players and supporters to enjoy during matches.
“The proposed development incorporates the most modern elements of stadium design. The sweeping roof design will reduce the visual impact of the proposal on adjacent properties whilst increasing the atmosphere being projected from supporters onto the pitch.
“New modern stadium seating will be fully covered by the new roof for the full length of the stand. Facilities for patrons with mobility issues will be greatly improved with wheelchair access at the upper level of the stand.”
The upper storey of the new stand, Mr Sheridan revealed will include offices, an event controller’s room, tea room, new media facilities and an extended meeting room/function room – all accessible by elevator, and with views of the pitch.
Other works will include an upgrade to existing dressing rooms and toilet facilities, the development of a dedicated first aid room, and the construction of an impressive front entrance.
Murphy + McGerr Architecture have used the latest in architectural design software to develop the project, and the county board has also enlisted the expertise of Punch Consulting Engineers (Dublin) and quantity surveyor Padraig Arthur (Tullamore).
Mr Sheridan said that Leinster Council was “impressed” with the plans, as was the former Westmeath county manager, Danny McLoughlin, who met with county board officials before his departure to South Dublin County Council.
The county board will talk to residents of the Friar’s Mill Road area of Mullingar before proceeding, but before that, they will meet the GAA’s National Infrastructure Committee on August 28, before seeking finance.
“We won’t be going ahead without funding from Croke Park,” Mr Sheridan told county board delegates last Wednesday night. “No clubs will be asked for any levies, and we won’t be putting Westmeath GAA into debt.
“We could go to the bank in the morning and get the money, but the interest is too high, and we can’t afford it.”
The Tyrrellspass clubman said that he hoped that Croke Park could come up with most of the funding, especially in light of some €4.5 million put into the development of London GAA’s facilities in Ruislip.
He said that Westmeath GAA will have to contribute a certain percentage of the funding, which could be generated by staging a “massive golf classic” sometime in the future.
If the project proceeds to the construction phase, the work will go out for tender, with the county board keen to employ contractors within Westmeath.