E460m'Tipperary Venue' Unveiled
Published Date: 29 October 2009
By Freelance
By Eoin Kelleher
PLANS to build Europe's largest combined sporting, leisure and gaming complex off the M8 motorway at Two-Mile-Borris were unveiled in the Horse and Jockey Hotel on Tuesday.
If completed, the 'Tipperary Venue' would put the Premier County at the forefront of major national sporting, cultural and music events while providing much needed jobs in an area especially hit by the construction downturn.
Thurles native Richard Quirke, best known as the driving force behind Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium in Dublin, is to finance the E460m project with a group of investors.
The state-of-the art development is expected to create up to 2,000 full time jobs, with 1,000 people being employed during the three years of construction.
Announcing the development, Local Independent TD Michael Lowry and chief Architect Brian O'Connell said the project was the largest ever to be put before North Tipperary County Council. A special team has been assembled by the Council to examine the proposals and a decision is expected by Christmas. No local opposition has emerged during the consultation process so far, added Deputy Lowry, while the race track and stable facilities were especially welcomed by legendary horse trainer, Aidan O'Brien, champion jockey Johnny Murtagh, and Christy Grassick of Coolmore Studs. (See pg 6 for reaction).
The developers and Horse Racing Ireland say they are "very conscious of the history and tradition of racing at Thurles Racecourse under the management of the Molony family. Discussions have taken place with the Molony family and an understanding has been reached on a transition process." It's understood that Thurles Racecourse will close upon the successful opening of the new track at Two-Mile-Borris.
The Tipperary Venue is the most ambitious project of its kind in the country, and if completed, will include a replica White House, an arena to outshine Dublin's O2, along with high-tech racing grounds, stadium, stables, casino and heliport. The Venue's racecourse will include a national hunt track, a 7-furlong sprint track and an all-weather flood-lit track. This is combined with a greyhound track, with a dual stadium incorporating a capacity for 7,000 patrons.
Continued Page 6
The facility will have 6,000 car spaces, with an overflow capacity of 2,000 spaces for special occasions. Organisers say the rural setting's proximity to the M8 was crucial to their decision to locate in Tipperary.
An exact replica of the White House as it stood in 1829 will form the centrepiece of the project, aimed at highlighting Ireland's US links. It will be known as 'The Hoban Memorial' in homage to local man James Hoban who designed the original Pennsylvania Avenue building as a banqueting hall. The plans have the backing of The White House Historical Association in Washington.
A major casino aimed at American high-rollers will also be incorporated in a 500-room, five-star Hotel.
The casino's operation will depend on gaming legislation now being considered by government. Deputy Lowry said he was confident Ireland's casino laws would be updated in time to allow for the its opening. "The Government has initiated a complete policy review and a redrafting of the current legislation on Gaming in Ireland. It is expected that details of new proposals will be revealed in the near future."
In addition, a 15,000-seater underground entertainment venue with a retractable roof, will surpass Dublin's O2 Arena in design and capacity, say the developers. The Tipperary Venue will also include: high end retail outlets, 18-hole signature golf course, a driving range, equestrian centre, a timber chapel, and helicopter facilities. Many of the buildings will be powered by alternative energy, covered in grass and landscaped into the surrounding environment in tune with Ireland's celtic traditions, said Mr O'Connell. A separate application is to be lodged in relation to windfarm nearby.
Businessman Richard Quirke said that he was delighted with the positive response to this project, and greatly appreciates the cooperation he has received from the Government, State Agencies and Public Bodies and in particular the administration at North Tipperary County Council. Mr Quirke thanked the local community for their assistance and support and Michael Lowry TD for his guidance. Mr Quirke said he was determined to bring this venture to successful fruition.
http://www.tipperarystar.ie/news/E460m39Tipperary-Venue39-Unveiled.5773405.jp?articlepage=1
TRAINER Aidan O'Brien believes that a proposed €50m racecourse for North Tipperary could become a Breeders' Cup facility.
Plans for the new state-of-the-art racecourse were officially unveiled yesterday and planning permission will be submitted this morning.
The racecourse, located on an 800-acre site close to the village of Two-Mile Borris, is part of a proposed €460m cultural, sporting and leisure development.
The Tipperary Venue is the brainchild of Dublin-based businessman Richard Quirke, best known as the creative force behind Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium (amusement arcade) on Dublin's O'Connell Street.
The new racecourse will feature a National Hunt track, a sprint track and an all-weather floodlit track and has received support from Horse Racing Ireland.
O'Brien described the concept as "mind-blowing" and insisted: "This could be a Breeders' Cup facility."
However, the completion of the new track in three years will signal the end of Thurles racecourse, which has been run by the Molony family for over a century.
Local TD Michael Lowry explained that the Molony family do not have the resources to further develop Thurles racecourse and that HRI are anxious to see an all-weather track built in Munster. Quirke also stated the Molony family will be compensated.
An excited O'Brien said: "This is mind-blowing for the whole exchequer and the economy.
"One market in the world that hasn't been tapped into is the high-rolling people who fly from country to country.
"If they come into this country, everyone will benefit. This is a facility that's not waiting on funding from anybody else; Richard has it all there. It's amazing."
Quirke has had interest from a number of potential overseas developers and will consider the prospect of naming rights for the new race track, which is combined with a Greyhound track.
O'Brien's stable jockey Johnny Murtagh added: "We have the best horse in the world, best two-year-old this year, best trainers, jockeys, owners. We'll now have the best race track.
"It will be great for Ireland and down this side of the country, we need a premier Grade One track for hurdles, chases and of course, all-weather."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/obrien-lauds-mindblowing-plans-for-836450m-tipp-course-1925894.html
Looks like they'll have to go tinkering with junction 5 of the M8 eventually as well IF this thing ever goes ahead.
