Building Code Compliance and Universal Design advisory services for Sport Ireland Velodrome and badminton Area
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) was appointed to advise on all accessibility and Universal Design elements for the construction of a new national velodrome and badminton area in Fingal, Co. Dublin. The velodrome is planned to cover a footprint of 8,100 sqm comprising 250m cycle track with 12 badminton courts within, an internal bicycle store area, changing rooms, medical and emergency rooms, areas for offices, administration and meetings, timing, event and training control, training and event preparation, strength and conditioning, circulation and storage, stairs and lifts, and proposed service areas. This also includes circa 1,000 permanent spectator seats, with provision to accommodate other occasional sporting events within the track with scope for a further temporary 2,500 seats for non-cycling and badminton sporting events.
The geometry of the cycling track for this sports facility presented specific design constraints. OHAC facilitated various workshops with the design team and worked closely with them to ensure that accessibility and Universal Design was considered in all stages of the design. We also worked with the management team to ensure that future staff will be trained to assist persons with disabilities and ensuring that sports events are accessible for all. OHAC also completed various design reviews so that the Disability Access Certificate (DAC) was successfully obtained for the project. We will continue to advise on accessibility and Universal Design and to assist the project team during the construction phase until project completion.