THE provision of modern stadia to cater for the Province’s three major sports took a massive stride forward yesterday with the announcement that the home of Ulster rugby is to undergo significant refurbishment.
Planning permission has been agreed for ground improvements at Ravenhill in south Belfast which will include three new stands at the old ground, aided by a cash injection of almost £15 million by the Stormont Executive.
The redevelopment forms part of the government’s Stadium Development Programme which will also eventually see the refurbishment of both Windsor Park and Casement Park for both football and GAA respectively.
Yesterday’s announcement would also appear to have finally dashed any lingering hopes of one multi-sports stadium in Northern Ireland.
A proposal to build such a facility at the Maze prison site near Lisburn instigated a political row, with unionist opposition to the retention of the former H-Blocks.
Then Sports Minister Gregory Campbell dropped the stadium plans in 2009, prompting the current arrangement of funding totalling £140 million divided among the three sports.
It is intended the major Ravenhill facelift – which is due to commence later this year – will allow the stadium to cater for up to 18,000 spectators and will be completed by 2015.
The new contemporary stands will complement the existing main grandstand, opened in late 2009, and provide enhanced facilities for rugby fans.
It is hoped the upgrade will eventually allow the Belfast venue to host major club matches, including a Pro12 final or Heineken Cup quarter-final match.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood – who donned an Ulster rugby jersey for the occasion – said the Ravenhill announcement was a “tremendous boost” for rugby and local sport.
“Planning approval will now lead to the creation of a stadium that is fit for the 21st century,” he said.
“In arriving at my decision, I have given careful consideration to the need for a new stadium and views of the local community amongst others.”
Mr Attwood said he was “satisfied” the new stadium would be achieved without causing undue harm to the surrounding area or its residents.
Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin said a “milestone” had been reached in relation to the development of the rugby arena.
She said: “This progress will enable rugby to move to the next stage of their ambition to have a stadium that will fully meet their needs well into the future.”
The minister added she looked forward to seeing similar progress being made in relation to the development of Windsor Park and Casement Park.
The phased construction work at Ravenhill will ensure the ground will be able to host matches throughout the three-year build.
The stands at the Memorial and Aquinas Ends of the ground will be built first, followed by the demolition and re-build of the existing stand.
Ulster Rugby chief executive Shane Logan said: “The development at Ravenhill will not only benefit our sport but will have wider benefits for health, tourism and the Northern Ireland economy and we are privileged to be a part of a legacy that will remain in Northern Ireland for years to come.”
