Next phase of Azzurri Walsh Park redevelopment imminent
An artist impression of the next phase of the Azzurri Walsh Park development.
A local contractor has secured the €16 million contract for the next stage of the redevelopment of Walsh Park, with works expected to get underway before Christmas.
The latest development marks a significant milestone in the long-running overhaul of the county grounds, with phases two and three of the project set to be delivered together.
The works will include the construction of new dressing rooms and a pavilion, improvements to the western stand on the Keane’s Road side of the ground, and a major redevelopment of the eastern city-end terraces, which will be transformed into a banked area.
It follows the completion of the refurbished 4,000-capacity stand at the Waterford city venue.
Walsh Park Redevelopment Committee Chairman and former Fine Gael TD, Paudie Coffey has welcomed the latest progress, describing it as an exciting time for Waterford GAA.
“This is a very exciting time for Waterford GAA, we’re on the cusp of appointing a new contractor for the Phase 2 redevelopment of Walsh Park. This is a €16 million project and the good news is a Waterford contractor has won the tender,” he said.
Coffey believes the investment will provide a significant boost to the local economy, while also delivering a modern stadium capable of hosting events beyond the GAA calendar.
“This will bring massive economic benefit not just during the construction, but into the future as we will have a stadium we can all be proud of – not just for GAA matches for other events for Waterford City and County and the wider region,” he added.
Construction is expected to commence before Christmas, with the project anticipated to progress over the following one to two years.
“Works will get underway this side of Christmas and we look forward to strong progress over the next year or two to finish this project once and for all that will give us a stadium for us all to be very proud of.” The Government has committed a further €6 million towards the redevelopment, with additional financial support coming from the GAA’s Central Council and Munster Council.
Crucially, Waterford GAA will be required to contribute less than five per cent of the overall cost of completing the redevelopment.
Once finished, the project will bring to an end a major programme of works at Walsh Park, delivering a significantly upgraded home for Waterford GAA.
