Caitriona Murphy

DUBLIN-based Newenham Mulligan Architects and London-based Grimshaw Architects have jointly won the international design competition for the €20 million redevelopment of the RDS Arena.

Speaking about the winning design (pictured), RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said the winning concept represented an exciting design response to a complex brief.

“Entries had to accommodate professional rugby, world class equestrianism and music concerts, in an already very busy events venue. These three elements were exceptionally well incorporated by the winning consortium who stood out for their understanding of the multi-faceted nature of the development and their vision for the RDS Arena.”

The final design is still being finalised but the new stand will give views of both judging rings and the main RDS Arena from both the catering and some spectator areas. However none of the stables blocks or smaller arenas behind the existing Anglesea stand will be affected by the redevelopment.

Diarmuid Hanifin said the design would be careful to ensure that the ambience of a show jumping arena will be maintained and that specific attention would be paid to the pocket area as it was a key area for international show jumping.

Spectator capacity for the arena will increase by 7,000 people to 25,000 for the annual Dublin Horse Show.

One section of the stand will be a terrace for both rugby supporters and equine enthusiasts to watch action on the pitch or arena, although the majority of visitors will be seated.

“Having secured our design team, the RDS focus is now on securing the necessary funding for this development,” said Michael Duffy. “We have budgeted for an overall capital investment of at least €20m for the redevelopment. A number of potential funding streams are currently being explored, including naming rights.”

Construction work, pending the grant of planning permission, is expected to begin immediately after the 2016 Dublin Horse Show and the new RDS Arena’s first sporting event will be the 2017 horse show.

Leinster Rugby chief executive Mick Dawson said a newly developed RDS Arena had the potential to significantly add to the world cup bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and that the organisation hoped to speak to the IRFU in due course.

Leinster Rugby will continue to play their home games as normal during the redevelopment of the RDS Arena which is expected to begin in 2016.