Soccer club unveil plans for new 12,000 stadium at St Michael’s
By Maurice Garvey
ST PATRICK’S Athletic have announced proposals for a new 12,000 seat stadium, across the road from Richmond Park at St Michael’s estate.
The Inchicore club, announced the plans in association with HRS International and FESP International, for a major development to include new homes and a town centre with state-of-the art retail, leisure and community facilities.
An artist impression of the new 12,000 seat stadium
Dublin City Council is set to decide on the future of St Michael’s estate in the coming months.
The City Development Plan envisages the development of a high-quality, vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter which will help to regenerate Inchicore.
The plan is led by Garrett Kelleher of St Patrick’s Athletic, who says it can accommodate whatever housing density and mix is required by DCC, whilst also providing the area with major retailers, leisure facilities, in addition to civic and community facilities.
The type of facilities to be provided will be agreed with the City Council but could include a library, indoor sports hall, civic theatre etc.
Innovative
An innovative feature of the development is the inclusion of a UEFA Category 3 stadium, with 12,000 covered seats and all modern facilities, at first floor level.
A first-floor level stadium, a new model for Ireland, has been designed by architect David Mizrahi of HRS International, who was lead architect with Santiago Calatrava on the Samuel Beckett and James Joyce bridges in Dublin.
The stadium development will be financially independent and not reliant on receiving any government grants.
It is also proposed as multi-use venue for the historic area, located alongside the newly redeveloped Richmond Barracks.
Completion of the development will take approximately two years, providing planning permission is granted.
Game-changer
President of St Patrick’s Athletic, Tom O’Mahony, said: “We believe our proposal is a game-changer for Inchicore and, of course, for our club. It would give our supporters an ultra-modern stadium which would also be suitable for a wide range of community events. It would transform Inchicore and would realise the city council’s vision of a vibrant, high-quality urban quarter.
“We will now engage with the city council to discuss our plans and we hope to have an opportunity to play a leading role in the regeneration of our neighbourhood.”
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