3 minute read
CONSTRUCTION COMMENCED FOR NATIONAL SURF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
The delivery of the National Surf Centre of Excellence in Strandhill took a major step forward this summer with the commencement of construction. The €2.7m facility is funded by Sligo County Council, Failte Ireland, and the Department of Rural Community and Development.
The facility will be a used by local, national and international surfers, and will cater for those providing advanced surfing training up to international standard – including video analysis equipment, training rooms and virtual surfing experience.
The centre will include an interpretative display of the history of surfing in Ireland and the many local tourist attractions, and will provide a central meeting and promotional point for local tourism businesses, including walking tours and adventure providers.
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor said ʻ This is a hugely important project for our Council and our community. Strandhill is already recognised as a prime surfing destination, and this facility will further enhance its reputation on the national and international stage, Our objective to promote Sligo as a key tourism hub receives a major boost with this development.ʼ
Chair of Strandhill Community Maritime Company Councillor Declan Bree described the Maritime Centre as 'A flagship project for Sligo and the region. The delivery of the centre is due to the exceptional partnership of the surfing community and the people of Strandhill community who have worked with the County Council and the funding agencies. This facility will be the best of its kind in the country and will attract great interest from local and visiting surfers.ʼ
Chief Executive Martin Lydon said 'The National Surf Centre of Excellence is the latest in a series of major capital investments in our countyʼ. Mr Lydon paid tribute to the project team, the Chair and Members of the Maritime Board, Failte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development for their hard work and expertise in bringing it to fruition.”
Project details:
Strandhill Community Maritime Ltd
•Chair: Councillor Declan Bree
•Secretary: Mick McEnroe
Design Team
The Design Team is as follows: •Sligo County Council: Sean Martin A/Senior Architect, Keith Monaghan, Executive Engineer
•Keys and Monaghan - Architects (Design Team Lead)
•Sammon - Quantity Surveyors
•Taylor & Boyd - Civil and Structural Consultant Engineers
•Delap & Waller - Mechanical & Electrical Consultants
•Park Hood - Landscape Architects
Building Contractor:
•Arken Construction Ltd., Collooney, Co. Sligo and Norris Plant Hire Ltd., Ballisadare, Co.Sligo
Sligo County Council has committed to providing a total contribution of €400,000 in match funding for the project.
4. Project Programme:
Construction commenced on 30th June 2021 with duration of 61 Weeks (August 2022).
5. Design Team:
The Design Team is as follows:
•Keys and Monaghan - Architects (Design Team Lead) •Sammon - Quantity Surveyors •Taylor & Boyd - Civil and Structural Consultant Engineers •Delap & Waller - Mechanical & Electrical Consultants •Park Hood - Landscape Architects
6. Building Contractor:
Arken Construction Ltd., Collooney, Co. Sligo and Norris Plant Hire Ltd., Ballisadare, Co.sligo, will construct the National Surf Centre of Excellence as a Joint Venture.
7. Project Description:
The building will comprise over 500 sq. meters of space laid out over two floors and 107 sq. meters of outdoor covered space. The Centre will also accommodate the following:
•An interpretative display of the history of surfing in Ireland and the tourism assets of the local area. •A central meeting and promotional point for local tourism businesses e.g. walking tours, adventure providers and other experience providers. •Orientation point for a wide range of activities. •Changing, storage and shower facilities for local and visiting surfers. •Public bathrooms. •Provision of modern facilities to the local community for meetings, training and events such as festivals, parties, social gatherings etc. •Cater for those providing advanced surfing training up to international level. This will include video analysis equipment, training rooms and virtual surfing experience. •Retail space for souvenirs and merchandise.
8. Project Update:
Arken Construction and Norris Plant Hire Ltd. took possession of the site on 30th June 2021 and commenced with site setup.
Progress to date:
•Existing house and out buildings demolished on site. •Demolition material and vegetation removed from site •Reduced dig for Raft Foundation complete •Foul drainage lines installed to perimeter of building •Raft foundation formwork complete •Steel fixing commenced for Raft Foundation (Concrete Pour 21st Sept)
Programme:
