This exciting community facility replaces Northern Ireland’s most successful visitor attraction. It was developed adjacent to the existing facility on a challenging greenbelt site, which required extensive consultations with the local Planning Authority.
To maximise the business case potential we involved TVAC Visitor Attraction & Leisure economists who advised on the Olympic Park in London. In addition, we consulted with the world’s leading Ice Rink supplier (CIMCO Refrigeration, Canada) to ensure that the new Ice Rink embedded current best practice in terms of sustainability and operational maintenance.
McAdam were appointed as the Lead Consultants for the project directing a full Integrated Design Team including Architects, Civil & Structural Engineers, and Mechanical & Electrical Engineers and completing design proposals to RIBA Stage 4 before the scheme was suspended. Prior to suspension we secured full Planning Permission for the new facility and therefore are fully conversant with all the design requirements and challenges posed by this scheme.
The successful replacement of Dundonald International Ice Bowl was a daunting prospect as it is firmly established as a leading Northern Ireland visitor attraction. The new design built upon this reputation but enhanced the offering by adding a state-of-the art 10 pin bowling alley and 1800m2 multi-use sports hall. In addition, we added a co-joined but stand-alone health centre which firmly established the health and well-being ethos of the project. Also drawing from our experiences at the Rushcliff Arena we also provided an administration suite for Castlereagh Borough Council staff. Which centralised service and reduced operational costs. We consulted widely with the local community to ensure it reflected their immediate needs however the centre was also conceived as a major landmark attraction within the entire portfolio of Northern Ireland leisure facilities.
