NORTH KILDARE AIRSOFT SITE ?

NMTB

hi folks,

I was asked to post this question with regards to feed back about a possable new purpose built airsoft site in north kildare.
The site is 12acres of flat grassland (no woodland im afraid) just off the N4 at Lucan.
It is proposed that the site would be developed to include some timber buildings,towers,bases and crosshides.
There would also be some clay mounds and trenches dug which would overgrow in time giving better cover and maybe some tyre walls,sandbags and maybe a prop or two.
As for gameplay there would be a lot to sort out there if it was to go ahead.

Do you think there is room for another site so close to all the others and would this type of site work i.e Plywood buildings,tyre walls,zero woodland etc...

I know the players on here come from all ends of Ireland so if your from Dublin and surrounding areas,if the location is easily accessable to you and if a site like I mentioned would appeal to you,post your views so I can report back to the money man/land owner so he can decide if he wants to go ahead wit this.

Many thanks
NMTB

T4RGET

NMTB wrote: »

hi folks,

I was asked to post this question with regards to feed back about a possable new purpose built airsoft site in north kildare.
The site is 12acres of flat grassland (no woodland im afraid) just off the N4 at Lucan.
It is proposed that the site would be developed to include some timber buildings,towers,bases and crosshides.
There would also be some clay mounds and trenches dug which would overgrow in time giving better cover and maybe some tyre walls,sandbags and maybe a prop or two.
As for gameplay there would be a lot to sort out there if it was to go ahead.

Do you think there is room for another site so close to all the others and would this type of site work i.e Plywood buildings,tyre walls,zero woodland etc...

I know the players on here come from all ends of Ireland so if your from Dublin and surrounding areas,if the location is easily accessable to you and if a site like I mentioned would appeal to you,post your views so I can report back to the money man/land owner so he can decide if he wants to go ahead wit this.

Many thanks
NMTB

I'd try to get it further down, like the centre of kildare or south, but other than that yes I would like to see something like that and the buildings would definitely work, just as long as they're built to withstand some sort of Irish weather :P

NMTB

T4RGET wrote: »

I'd try to get it further down, like the centre of kildare or south, but other than that yes I would like to see something like that and the buildings would definitely work :P

Unfortunatly the land cant be moved:p

I feel there is a great opertunity with this site and my advice would be to build it,build it good and the players would come but I dont think he'd take the risk of the massive start up costs in the present sittuation.

He asked me to get feed back on here but I know myself thats not how its gonna work.Only a small selection of players use this forum and there scattered all across Ireland.

And judging by the lack of responses I think a great opertunity is gonna be missed(the land and the money are there waiting).Its in a location that all of Dublin and surrounding areas can get to easily

gerrowadat

NMTB wrote: »

Unfortunatly the land cant be moved:p

I feel there is a great opertunity with this site and my advice would be to build it,build it good and the players would come but I dont think he'd take the risk of the massive start up costs in the present sittuation.

He asked me to get feed back on here but I know myself thats not how its gonna work.Only a small selection of players use this forum and there scattered all across Ireland.

And judging by the lack of responses I think a great opertunity is gonna be missed(the land and the money are there waiting).Its in a location that all of Dublin and surrounding areas can get to easily

A bare field airsoft site within 20 minutes drive of (and surrounded by) Red Barn, Office Block and Vacant would be doomed. Unless you were prepared to build up the site to Paintball site standard or better (i.e. meaningful terrain, changing facilities, grub on site etc.) you'd be running a loss leader, and without informed marketing, and targeted marketing at that, you'd never get the dedicated players.

Do you play Airsoft yourself? Not trying to be smart, but there have been many businesses in the last few years, and the only ones that have really stuck around are those run by airsofters who know how to appeal to them and will put effort into it.

The market is pretty much saturated. If you build it, they will not come unless it is something special and compelling.

NMTB

what would be meaningfull terrain? and as for a tuck shop and changing rooms,their already there along with a cctv protected carpark.

i did say to him that start up costs would be huge and i know people(airsofters) who could be asked to design it so id imagine it would be built right.not a mickey mouse job.

i know the place is a bit saturated with sites so do you think everybody is already married to their local and thats where their gonna stay?

p.s. you amongst some other veterans/ex-military would probably be on the shortlist of people who could possibly be asked for advice(not saying you would be asked or would agree to do it) but people like you who know their stuff

T4RGET

gerrowadat wrote: »

A bare field airsoft site within 20 minutes drive of (and surrounded by) Red Barn, Office Block and Vacant would be doomed.

This is why i suggested the location change, but moving land can be problematic :P. I think the main problem you will have is Redbarn, not for the fact that office block and vacant are less good, but as they are indoor sites. Vacant is brilliant can't comment on the office block, but an outdoor site could easily compete with an indoor site as long as airsofters are made aware of it's location and existence. outdoor and indoor are game style preferences i personally love a bit of CQB but only ever now and again, I'd play on an outdoor site far more and travel further to get to one.
How far north are we talking btw?

sci-ops

NMTB wrote: »

just off the N4 at Lucan.

Just in case you missed it.

NMTB

T4RGET wrote: »

gerrowadat wrote: »

A bare field airsoft site within 20 minutes drive of (and surrounded by) Red Barn, Office Block and Vacant would be doomed.

i agree with gerro that it would have to be a very high spec site to compete with the above which would be the plan.a bare open field with a mound here or a tyre wall there wouldnt appeal to anyone.and plywood buildimgs might not cut it.
seperated into zones with differant senarios imo would be the way to go. as he said,like a paintball setup.

its in the leixlip area.

gerrowadat

NMTB wrote: »

what would be meaningfull terrain? and as for a tuck shop and changing rooms,their already there along with a cctv protected carpark.

Is there existing activites there? I got the impression it was a green field site.

i did say to him that start up costs would be huge and i know people(airsofters) who could be asked to design it so id imagine it would be built right.not a mickey mouse job.

i know the place is a bit saturated with sites so do you think everybody is already married to their local and thats where their gonna stay?

p.s. you amongst some other veterans/ex-military would probably be on the shortlist of people who could possibly be asked for advice(not saying you would be asked or would agree to do it) but people like you who know their stuff

TBH, and don't take this the wrong way, relying on the kindness of strangers is not a great business model.

Lots of sites have popped up with guys who are only loosely familiar with airsoft, who say "I'll do anything you want lads, let me know what you want on the site". The Irish airsoft community is mainly made up of people who aren't going to be bothered because they've seen it before, or kids who don't have any concept of what's practical or good.

My impression is that there should be a very strong idea of what the site is going to be, a vision of how you're going to start up, develop, market, and build your client base, and someone on board who is an actual player, and can add perspective.

Also, do market research here by all means, but also do some somewhere apart from boards. Boards is mainly for the beginner contingent and physically or mentally "younger" players who might not necessarily understand how the world works just yet.

NMTB

ahh sure i wouldnt expect one to help design a site for free:-)this would be a buisness venture with associated costs for start up.

i threw a ball park figure of 20k at him(but ive no idea of cost) and he wasnt phased by that so i think if enough interest is shown money aint a problem.

the problem is i dont know anything about marketing and what not.

BTW... im not partners or anything to do with this.i mentioned it to him and he asked me to 'find out'

edit: he wants to develop the land but doesnt know to what.

he has another amenity adjacent to this land all sports related but knows nothing about airsoft or its sites so there would have to be people employed who know the craic to run it propperly.

in your opinion where else could i take this for research?

jayod30

T4RGET wrote: »

This is why i suggested the location change, but moving land can be problematic :P. I think the main problem you will have is Redbarn, not for the fact that office block and vacant are less good, but as they are indoor sites. Vacant is brilliant can't comment on the office block, but an outdoor site could easily compete with an indoor site as long as airsofters are made aware of it's location and existence. outdoor and indoor are game style preferences i personally love a bit of CQB but only ever now and again, I'd play on an outdoor site far more and travel further to get to one.
How far north are we talking btw?

I would have to agree here, Redbarn would be your main competitor. Indoor CQB is great (especially for our crappy winters) but given any sort of nice day a good outdoor site will do well and most airsofters I would think would travel that little bit further for it, I most definitely would.

I'd do alot of research into the paintball type villages, not sure about over here but in the UK they have some brilliant set ups. I know there was one paintball site in Bray that opened to Airsoft for a time and got great reviews from some of my teammates but they went strictly paintball again from what I hear. Unfortunately though, from the looks of these sites there would be quite a considerable investment needed.

NMTB

lads just a quick Thanks for all the posts.
the thank icon is unavailable to me at present

T4RGET

sci-ops wrote: »

Just in case you missed it.

thank you missed that :P

NMTB wrote: »

lads just a quick Thanks for all the posts.
the thank icon is unavailable to me at present

you need at least 20 posts to thank someone:) just FYI keep us updated on whether or not this happens wont you?

Airsoft Reloded

If your in Kildare then your not in competition with Redbarn, if your outdoors your not in competition with us (Vacant) either. Sure we would send people down to you and fly down ourselves for a few games.

The one thing I would say to you is don't expect a lot of money from it, as with all business it takes a while to get your money back and because your in a niche market with limited numbers it takes even longer (an awful long time), infact I wouldn't say its worth the investment unless your in it for the long term because you honestly enjoy the game itself and want your own site (Also a lot of sites have closed due to lack of business) and don't listen to airsofters about what they want there because they'll steer you wrong, jump in there, think about what you'd like done and do it.

Though you should know that there is already another 2 outdoor sites opening in Kildare very soon, each open by business men with serious capital behind them.

Sure good luck with it anyway

NMTB

hi mate thanks for the heads up on the other sites.

ive been a reader on boards for awhile and i know airsofts not a massively profitable buisness from what ive read before and i mentioned it to him the start.
I did think its a bit far from redbarn to be in competition but i think they set the standard for outdoor sites??? although ive never been there
and i also know not to ask 'softers what to put on the site and professional advice would be sought for with regards to designing along with a vet or two for some differant views.
After i read your post thismorning I relayed what you said to the proposed developer in question and he said thats the chance he took with his first ventures(over 15yrs ago), and there still there today doing well so I think he knows a bit about start up,profit and being in for the long haul.
I was asked to just put the feelers out but with my very limited knowledge about buisness hes now getting someone who knows what their at to check it out.
As i suggested this venture to him I asked today was he serious about this and i got a very definate "yes". "I have the land I have the money and I want the land to be used instead of just sitting there overgrowing". I couldnt argue with that.

NMTB

guys have a look at rapidfire paintball.ie and at the pics of their village and fortress. this would be like what would be built. like or not,good or bad for airsoft games?

T4RGET

yes! they look good apart from the bright red inflatable looking structures :P

NMTB

lol,i dont think those inflatable bouncy bunkers would go down too well either.
im gonna let this thread die for awhile(not that it was ever alive lol) coz the interested party has left the country on business for a week so i cant report back and forth but ill update if theres any movement on this

Boa.Prinz

Replace the dust with grass, of course. Love the practice range and the fact joe-public can spectate

Boa.Prinz

NMTB

lol..., looks like most of the irish airsofting community is in that first video.

food for thought though Boa with a few little things in there that I hadnt thought of. thanks a mill..

Ive just checked out their web site and the areial fly by,
all im saying is OMG!!!!!

Boa.Prinz

Surprised there's no drive thru McDonalds :cool:

Boa.Prinz

Boa.Prinz

Doesn't look like there is a single permanent structure on the site as its mostly wooden facias and wooden structures so I'd imagine there is very little needed in the way of planning permission.

Inari

Whereabouts in Leixlip is the site? I'm a local myself, and by the description I was trying to place where it would be.

The location is decent; Lucan, Leixlip and Maynooth in surrounding area. You should be able to encourage some form of corporate outings due to Intel and HP (god...Leixlip has nothing), as well as some College games from NUIM (they have an Airsoft society as far as I remember).

I agree with Brian on the concept though - you need a clear idea, and to run with it. Sure, take feedback - keep what works, throw out what doesn't...but stick to your guns. If you try and please everyone at the start, it will fail to attract any.

NMTB

sorry kev but i can give the exact location for the time being.

I think its in a great location and very accessable to most people.i think its the type of site built that would decide who would go and who wouldnt.
some mentioned a site like a paintball site but i think if it was simular to that maybe the target market would be the kiddies and the more seasoned lads wouldnt attend?

my two threads are about to roll into one.from the other thread i know now how a paintball style site could be worked to have something for everyone
thanks again dude

T4RGET

NMTB wrote: »

sorry kev but i can give the exact location for the time being.

I think its in a great location and very accessable to most people.i think its the type of site built that would decide who would go and who wouldnt.
some mentioned a site like a paintball site but i think if it was simular to that maybe the target market would be the kiddies and the more seasoned lads wouldnt attend?

my two threads are about to roll into one.from the other thread i know now how a paintball style site could be worked to have something for everyone
thanks again dude

from what i remember from playing paintball is that the gaming fields they use are generally alot smaller but they have more then one so they change, but airosft seems to be bigger with lots of game modes but on one field, to be honest all you have to look at well established sites and look at the amount of people that turn up there even after the site's gaming area hasn't changed much, as long as the games are changed and new ones made up I think airosfters are generally pretty happy to sticking to one field unless of course you have a large plot in which case I would love to see a 'rolling assault' style game where defenders defend an area with an objective and when the objective is gone they fall back (similar to BF's Rush mode) sadly few sites have the space for it and would take some planning to work out with the objectives and respawns etc.
just my thoughts

Deadpool

That place looks great.I so want to go there

Gordy6040

I played the Bray site a few times when it was open to Airsoft.
There was a serious level of investment there. It was run by a chain of paintball sites from the UK if memory serves and was built to a very high standard.

on a paintball site the games are much faster and a lot more agressive as far as attacking etc is concerned. There is no sitting back hiding under a bush and waiting for someone to walk past so you can take a shot at them.I'd compare it to a 5 a side football v 11 a side on a full size pitch.

Very enjoyable , needs really good marshals though. I reckon the level of marshalling could actually make or break a site like that.

Its actually a nice change away from the tactical stuff. Best of luck with it if it goes ahead. I dont see 20k doing it though. Thats just an opinion, i'm not a builder or anything I'm sure the relevant parties have checked that out.:)

NMTB

yes i think it would have to be a lot bigger than a paintball site but most of the ideas would come from paintball sites as there is no woodland.and yes i think there would be a need for a really good head marshal who would be able to utilise a site to its full potential.

i think it could be limited to skirmishers and young lads because lads looking for a bit more realisim might not find it appealing,unless ofcourse there was a village,a very good village at that, tied into everything else for more objective based games.

i just threw 20k for the reaction,ive no idea myself of what it could cost

NMTB

yes i think it would have to be a lot bigger than a paintball site but most of the ideas would come from paintball sites as there is no woodland.and yes i think there would be a need for a really good head marshal who would be able to utilise a site to its full potential.

i think it could be limited to skirmishers and young lads because lads looking for a bit more realisim might not find it appealing,unless ofcourse there was a village,a very good village at that, tied into everything else for more objective based games.

i just threw 20k for the reaction,ive no idea myself of what it could cost

T4RGET

you would need a village but don't let the lack of the forest make you think that it woul just be the 'younger' lads. I'd say if it's done properly with varied buildings and props it could appeal to everyone. the best thing to do is hav ea test game and make sure the marshels/owners and people that run it are welcome to suggestions. a head marshal like you said would be needed but I would let people make suggestions and take them seriously (unless of course the idea is not) this way you might find game modes that neither of the people outlined above thought of.

NMTB

just a quick update for anybody thats read this thread...

theres a meeting in the next few days with local councillers to discuss planning permission and whatever else there is to discuss about a project like this before being brought to the relevant authorities.
its also now proposed to be an airsoft and paintball site but with none of those big inflatable thingys.as of yet i dont know which has the main priority

ill update again when theres more info available

T4RGET

NMTB wrote: »

just a quick update for anybody thats read this thread...

theres a meeting in the next few days with local councillers to discuss planning permission and whatever else there is to discuss about a project like this before being brought to the relevant authorities.
its also now proposed to be an airsoft and paintball site but with none of those big inflatable thingys.as of yet i dont know which has the main priority

ill update again when theres more info available

I'd say Paintball will get main priority, it's more profitable even if the owner (s) rather airsoft, just my thoughts but thanks for the update, keep them coming

NMTB

meeting was actually today and proposal is being brought to KCC on tuesday.
as you said target paintball is getting the preferance for planning purposes(not speedball tho) but i will push for airsoft aswell IF this gets going.
same again the interested party is off to spain again next week so i wont hear the outcome untill he comes back

NMTB

guys do any of you know if paintball fields need permission from the garda to run airsoft games seen as they already operate with markers.
any replys much appreciated

NMTB

NMTB wrote: »

guys do any of you know if paintball fields need permission from the garda to run airsoft games seen as they already operate with markers.
any replys much appreciated

anyone? or is the idea of a shared site frowned upon?

T4RGET

NMTB wrote: »

anyone? or is the idea of a shared site frowned upon?

I have no idea in the legality of it. As for the frowned upon, I wouldn't say so. AS long as airsoft has it's days and paintball has it's days and the two aren't rotating around each other as that would annoy me personally. Another thing that may get at people is all the paint everywhere but that's one of those things I don't think would be a major problem. Only one way to really find out if the two would mix, and that's by doing it, if not the other option is having an airsoft and paintball designated areas, although that may be a bit on the financial heavy side.

fusuf

You have one certain customer in me. I would recommend good sturdy ply wood bases. For example head down to Fingal Airsoft. they have one or two excellent examples of this.

NMTB

T4RGET wrote: »

I'd say Paintball will get main priority, it's more profitable even if the owner (s) rather airsoft, just my thoughts but thanks for the update, keep them coming

this update is for you target,you contributed a lot to this thread.

this has been designed and is being put forward as a PAINTBALL field,my original idea of an airsoft site got lost a long time ago:(.
profit is the main factor why this happened but with the economy the way it is miricals are not expected untill were established and a few years down the road.
from my research paintball is feeling the pinch big time but were hoping our location and field designs will benifit us over some of the other fields weve visited.

ive designed the layout of the site with 4 zones, but ive included a removable fence between the zones so it can be opened up to make 2 bigger fields (for when my wish is granted to run airsoft)
punter/stagg driven paintball needs smaller zones and a certain style of design to promote more shooting,thats where the €s are.

were meeting with council planners on wedensday(although we dont need planning but we just want to have the all clear from them) and its the garda after that for authorisation to import and hold the markers,their classed as firearms.once we have the all clear building can commence but we dont see it being up and running untill early next year.

so thats it for now pal,ta

T4RGET

good to hear it's going ahead mate had a feeling it may end up as paintball alright, but hopefully your plans will emerge soon-ish for airsoft, especially if you have paintball to keep the site running. I tihnk you'd be surprised with the number of airsofters you'll get down.
do let me know the name/web page/facebook group whatever you're making so i can keep an eye out for the opening, of the airsoft section more so but still.

Zomg Okay

For the record, there's a site down here in County Cork that does both Paintball and Airsoft, pretty successfully too as far as I can tell, so it's doable.

Sorry I haven't mentioned this here before, wasn't aware of this thread. Best of luck with the venture.