Leopardstown Racecourse© Photo Healy Racing
Leopardstown Racecourse will start work early in the New Year on the next phase of the overall redevelopment of the venue, adding 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 investment in the project will be c. €12 million, including Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) grant aid of €4.7 million, bringing the overall project expenditure to €20m by the time of its completion.
Works carried out in 2015, including the new Champions Bar, a restaurant and an Owners and Trainers Lounge, will be completed in time for the Christmas Festival (Dec 26th - 29th).
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.
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 new weigh-room will house jockeys changing rooms, the Stewards Room, medical facilities and a Press Room.
This building will also house a winning owners' hospitality suite and the racecourse offices.
The second Leopardstown entrance point in this area will be a new building, creating a modern reception area for racegoers, who will be at the heart of the saddling area and parade ring immediately on arrival.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said:
"Leopardstown has been consistently improving its facilities over recent years and further improvements will be evident to racegoers at the forthcoming Christmas Festival.
"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."
Pat Keogh, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, said: "We are delighted to have received support from the HRI Capital Development Scheme.
"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."
Other works will include upgraded car parks, PA systems and general landscaping and presentation of the enclosures.
A & D Wejchert & Partners are the architects of the development while Duggan Brothers have constructed this phase. It is forecast that this phase of the project will create approximately 145 direct and indirect jobs.
