€10m sports arena extension to create 100 jobs
Dr Michael Murphy, the President of University College Cork (UCC), unveiled details yesterday of the major 40,000 square foot extension planned at the Mardyke Sports Arena.
Extensive flood protection defences will be incorporated into the new complex.
Dr Murphy said the new development represents the very best in modern design and construction, and will result in a truly world-class facility at the Mardyke.
Building work is due to get under way next February and the project, which is expected to take 10 months to complete, will provide up to 100 jobs in the construction industry at the height of the work.
The arena, which currently employs up to 70 people, will take on extra staff when the new facilities open.
The development will involve the demolition of the existing viewing stand, along with the existing changing rooms underneath the stand, and the construction of a three-floor extension.
The new facilities will include an indoor running track, hydrotherapy pools, dance fitness studios, 60 tiered-seated team meeting room, a martial arts studio, a physiotherapy and wellness centre, and new changing rooms.
The entire Mardyke complex was one of several UCC-owned sites which were devastated in the November 2009 flood. All the flood damage has now been repaired.
The new development will be flood-proofed to cater for water levels 4.6 metres above sea level.
The architects plan to use a combination of the building’s existing wall and a de-mountable barrier to protect it from flood risk.
It is proposed to install a permanent flood-proof glass balustrade at the southern entrance.
The new defences will be up to 1.2m high.
The underground drainage will be fitted with non-return valves, all underground services ducts will be sealed, and all vents and services openings in the external walls will be sealed or located above the flood defence levels.
Mardyke Leisure (UCC) Ltd, the arena management company, are the project developers, and the design team also includes UCC, Wilson Architecture, JODA Engineering Consultants, Cantwell Keogh & Associates Fire Safety Consultants and Quantity Surveyors Davis Langdon PKS.
The completed development is due to be handed over to Mardyke Leisure (UCC) Ltd the week beginning December 19, 2011.
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