Construction BUSINESS

The ground has officially been broken on a new BMX/skate park and playground for Ballyfermot. A portion of Le Fanu Park in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, is set to be transformed into a skate and BMX facility as well as a recreational space catering to local residents. A partnership between the Irish Architecture Foundation, law firm Matheson, and Dublin City Council, the project is one of the most significant investments in a play space in Ireland.

The ground was officially broken at the site by Councillor Daithí de Roiste on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin at an event, attended by local BMX groups, community groups and representatives of the project.

Public Collaboration

The new skate park has come about through consultation and collaboration with local community groups in Ballyfermot, the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF), Matheson, and Dublin City Council.

Commenting at the event, Les Moore, Head of Parks Service at Dublin City Council, said: “A number of years ago a group of young BMXers, through Ballyfermot Youth Service, made the case to Dublin City Council that they needed a skate and BMX facility. Through our partnership with the Irish Architecture Foundation and Matheson, we’re delighted that ground is now being broken on the new park, and look forward to the BMX and skate stars of the future making use of this very valuable local amenity.”

Also speaking at the event was Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, who said: “We’re delighted to partner with Dublin City Council and Matheson on this project. Over the past number of years, we’ve met with over 360 locals in a series of events, picnics, workshops and public meetings to take on board the community’s feedback as to what sort of community facility they want. This allowed us to run an international competition for architects, judged by local representatives as well as international experts.

“This process has highlighted the importance of architecture and design in our built environment, but more so, how local communities must play a central role in deciding the type of local area they want to live in.”

Completion planned for 2020

The winning architectural practice was Relational Urbanism, run by Enriqueta Llabres and Eduardo Rico in London. To meet the ambition of the design, Dublin City Council significantly increased their investment in the project, and their total spend on the park will be €2 million, making this one of the biggest investments in recreational infrastructure in the history of the State.

The design for the park went through planning and tendering and a contractor was appointed in spring 2019. Irish company C&A Ltd won the tender, with UK-based skatepark specialist Freestyle on board. Final details and landscaping should be completed in early 2020 and at that stage the park will be open for the people of Ballyfermot to enjoy.