Universal Design Consultancy Services and Part M Building Code Compliance for the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse to enhance the overall visitor experience for all
The purpose of the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse was to provide a world-class facility showcasing the best of Irish racing. OHAC provided ongoing accessibility and Universal Design consultancy services for the development which included a new parade ring, café and restaurant, museum, corporate facilities and new grandstand at the Curragh Racecourse to accommodate 6000 people, within a masterplan designed to accommodate a crowd flux of up to 30,000 within the wider grounds. Our accessibility consultancy services included: Universal Design Advice & Workshops, Disability Access Certificates (DAC), Technical Advice, Part M Ancillary Certifier, Pre-Visitor Information and Training.
Universal Design Advice
OHAC provided workshops, training sessions, stakeholder engagement sessions and provided best practice case studies to ensure the design brief for the new facility captured best practice Universal Design elements to ensure the provision of a world class experience for race goers, visitors and staff.
To ensure the racing seasons continued uninterrupted throughout the construction stage, temporary facilities, including WC facilities, catering and refreshment facilities, jockey changing rooms, bar tents, etc, were necessary. OHAC were engaged to advise on the design and provision of these facilities to ensure they were accessible to all users; obtain statutory compliances and provide ancillary certifier duties during the 2017 and 2018 racing seasons.
Disability Access Certificates
OHAC prepared Disability Access Certificates for the main facility works and the 20+ temporary facilities / structures that were erected during the 2017 and 2018 racing seasons. OHAC engagement included assisting in the development of the UD design brief, design team reviews and workshops, ongoing advice on compliance with legislation and current best practice in Universal Design.
Technical Advisor and Part M Ancillary Certifier
OHAC provided ongoing consultancy services throughout the construction phases which included accessibility and Universal Design tender stage reviews (design and layouts, materials, M&E provisions, etc). There were ongoing inspections and provision of comprehensive inspection reports throughout construction to ensure the needs of all visitors and staff were accommodated (e.g. accessible viewing areas in the parade ring, signage, accessible changing places, manifestation design, landscaping, access routes, fit out of WCs, Visual contrast, door opening forces, bar counters, ticketing, Tote counters etc.)
Pre-visitor information
OHAC were engaged in the development of a pre-visitor information page, outlining the accessible features of the Racecourse, to ensure an enhanced visitor experience for the 2019 and future race seasons.
Training
Delivery of disability, equality, awareness training and training workshops on inclusive customer services and accessible visitor experience to all staff members.
