THE Curragh Racecourse has appointed John Sisk & Son Ltd as the main contractor to construct its new facilities that are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018, in time to launch for the 2019 racing season.

Temporary facilities were in place at the Curragh for the current racing season. Just 18 meetings were staged at the Curragh this year, the final one of the year last Sunday. The configuration of the enclosures will change next year while the development work continues.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment will see the creation of a major new grandstand which will incorporate five-star corporate facilities, restaurants and bars.

A new arrivals and reception area will incorporate a visitor attraction incorporating a museum to celebrate the history of racing in Ireland and the contribution Ireland has made to the sport worldwide.

There will also be a new parade ring and weigh room.

Demolition of the old Curragh grandstand and weigh room commenced last January and was completed in June.

Work is ongoing on the reconstruction of the historic viewing stand as a stand-alone feature, which was first built in the 1850s to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria.

Work on the refurbishment of the stable area also commenced earlier this year. They are due to be completed in time for the 2018 racing season.

Racecourse chairman Padraig McManus said: “This is a very exciting time for the Curragh and we would not have been able to progress the development as quickly as we have without our partners and stakeholders including Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Turf Club and the private investors whose generosity, support and commitment to the project has been hugely positive and much appreciated.”

Derek McGrath, racecourse CEO, added: “The appointment of John Sisk & Son is a major milestone for the development project and we look forward to working with them.

“They share our vision to build a venue that will be the envy of the world, showcasing our sport and allowing us the opportunity to enhance the racing experience for our existing fans, while also ensuring we have the potential to attract a brand new audience and deliver a strong commercial business operation which will stage multiple events throughout the year.”

Richard Sisk, director John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd, said: “We are looking forward to delivering the innovative design and to working in partnership with all the stakeholders. This is the latest in a long list of iconic sporting venues which Sisk has built and we will bring all our experience, expertise and commitment to this project.”