- Punchestown Developments Limited
- Punchestown, Co. Kildare
- Architect: James Toomey & Associates, Structural Engineer: J.J. Campbell & Associates, Quantitiy Surveyor: Patterson Kempster Shortall
- April 1998
The overall aim of the Project was to improve facilities whilst maintaining the unique tradition and atmosphere for which Punchestown is famous. The architect decided on a courtyard setting for the development. The rural setting of the racecourse is reflected in the extensive use of brick and hardwood to create a rustic atmosphere.
Rohcon was awarded the redevelopment contract in September 1997 with project completion dated of 25 April 1998, 3 days prior to the National Hunt Festival 1998. This allowed a construction period of only 7 months and called for major management resourcing by Rohcon and the employment of over 200 craftsmen and operatives on site. A measure of the speed and scale of the project was reflected by the fact that a monthly turnover of €2.54m was achieved on two consecutive months.
The main entrance building incorporates a purpose built administration unit. The development also includes an extensive central courtyard with sunken parade ring, which provides the spectator with an excellent view of the horses, a key objective of the Racecourse management.
The works comprised of a 3,900 sq. m. three-storey extension to the existing grandstand. This building incorporates betting halls and public bars on ground and first floor levels while the second floor corporate area houses eleven fully finished private suites. The 800 sq. m. single-storey open viewing terrace incorporates a number of private member clubs.
The total development, which comprises nearly 9,300 sq. m., is built to the highest standard of materials and workmanship to create a top-class venue for the race-goer.
