Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that development of the province’s Cork Centre of Excellence at Virgin Media Park has begun.
The €7.3 million facility represents Munster Rugby’s second-largest capital undertaking ever, after the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008.
A world-class indoor rugby dome for a coaching pitch, and a big fitness center will probably be included within the facility, serving to to develop the sport and improve participation numbers.
The indoor enjoying space would be the first of its type within the area and whereas it is going to be absolutely lit to be used after darkish, it should have a clear roof to maximise pure lighting.
The Cork Centre of Excellence is a large funding within the grassroots and neighborhood sport and the undertaking will present further assist for golf equipment and faculties.
It’ll additionally considerably assist the Munster Rugby girls and boys age-grade programmes and participant pathway programme.
The brand new Centre of Excellence, which is being constructed by Cumnor Development, may even cater for the local people, together with golf equipment, faculties, neighborhood centre members, lively grownup teams and youth teams.
Creating home sport infrastructure throughout the province is a key precedence in Munster Rugby’s Strategic Plan.
At the moment marks a really important milestone within the nice progress which is being made each on and off the pitch with the province having achieved monetary break-even final season.
Munster Rugby are very grateful for the assist from the Massive Scale Sports activities Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). With out the €2.7 Million from the LSSIF, the province wouldn’t be able to proceed with the Centre of Excellence.
The province additionally want to thank the IRFU for making a monetary contribution to the undertaking.
Work has already commenced on the web site with the goal for the ability to be operational from subsequent summer season.
In attendance at at present’s sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of development have been particular visitors, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Simon Coveney TD together with dignitaries from the IRFU and Munster Rugby.
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan mentioned: “At the moment marks a particular milestone for Munster Rugby as we break floor on our new Cork Centre of Excellence at Virgin Media Park.
“The brand new facility is not going to solely present prime services for our up-and-coming age-grade gamers however it should additionally play an necessary function for the individuals right here in Ballyphehane and the broader Cork area.
“I wish to particularly thank Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Simon Coveney TD and Michael McGrath TD for his or her assist all through the lifetime of this undertaking.
“We’re delighted to be investing in such an exquisite facility for our younger individuals that may allow us to proceed to develop the sport and interact with our area people.”
Virgin Media Park
Two main redevelopments have already taken place on the venue lately.
A €3.2m funding by Munster Rugby noticed main redevelopment work happen 9 years in the past. A brand new 3,500-seater West Stand was constructed and the East Terrace was coated.
In 2018, a brand new modified 3G pitch floor was put in. The state-of-the-art pitch has allowed for a major improve in video games performed throughout a variety of sports activities and disciplines on the venue. Together with an enormous improve within the variety of grassroots rugby video games performed on the pitch, a various vary of actions are additionally happening within the multi-purpose venue, from frisbee tournaments to yoga lessons.
The financial advantage of Virgin Media Park for the encompassing space has grown exponentially lately. The floor has paved the way in which for the stadium to turn out to be one of many nation’s prime music venues with Take That and Sting among the many star acts to carry out on the venue final summer season.
