Belfast: Approval given to Casement Park reconstruction

What happened in recent years regarding new stadium

Initial plans for redevelopment of Casement Park were unveiled more than a decade ago. That time was marked by disputes with local residents, political turmoil, as well as attempts to find financing. When the stadium design was presented in 2013, it was supposed to accommodate 38,000 people and cost ￡76 million (then €92 million).

A year later, locals successfully blocked stadium’s construction, arguing that the facility was too large to be built in a densely populated area. As a result of these protests, the building permit was withdrawn.

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Over the next several years, there was a debate on how to make the construction possible. Finally, in 2017, a new concept was presented, where the facility shrunk to 34,578 seats. According to estimates from 2019, the stadium was to cost ￡110 million (then €127 million).

Last October, the Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon recommended that the above-mentioned design be approved. However, it was not without further consultations that have recently been completed. The real breakthrough came on July 28, when Mallon confirmed that the planning process of the national stadium for Gaelic sports had reached a successful conclusion.

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Secure financing and persuade local residents – next steps

There is practically no chance that construction expenditure will come close to the amount presented in 2019, as the costs of materials and labour have increased significantly since then. How much have construction costs gone up? These will be disclosed when the construction commencement date is announced. It’s said that the cost could even hit ￡150 million.

Works are to last 2-3 years. Their start in the optimistic scenario would be before the end of this year, but the most realistic date is the first half of 2022. The construction of the stadium is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2024. Residents can still raise objections and significantly delay the entire project.

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The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) aims to persuade local community that this investment will bring the neighbourhood to life. GAA representatives intend to hold a series of meetings with local residents and businesses to convince them of the usefulness of the new Casement Park.

Another serious problem is finding money for the project. The GAA has pledged to spend ￡15 million and is reluctant to increase its contribution. It was previously agreed that ￡62 million would come from public funds.

It seems that the missing amount – whatever it may be – will have to be covered by taxpayers. ￡11 million has been spent to date on project-related roles and governance, legal costs, surveys, statutory fees, and business case development.

Author: Tomasz Sobura

Preface

1. BEST EXPERIENCE

With the craze of sport games in the night, and more professional events are played at night, people desire for lighting to play at the very beginning so now people more concern about the quality of lighting, we believe that the glare produced by ordinary lamps can no longer meet the athletes’ pursuit of sensory experience. But now, thanks to developments in MECREE’s sports lighting technology, our precise control and anti-glare lighting makes it possible for sports men and women to perform at their best and enjoy the best sports experience.

2.DAMAGE FROM LIGHT POLLUTION

There is increasing concern for the problems created by unwanted light at night,such as light pollution and light trespass, result in various types of complaints. Particularly with increasing awareness of environmental problems of all types, it is important that lighting designers recognize the need to control problems related to the general subjects of “Light Pollution” and “Light Trespass.” So we have tried every effort to develope a newest optical technology to solve the problem.

What kind of light is used in stadiums?

Currently common traditional stadium lights model for some international stadiums as below:
MVF406/1800W, HNF003, MVF401, MVF403, MVF024, EF-2000, YOA56305, YOAX56400, 2kW: HQI-TS 2000WDS, 2kW: HQI-TS 1000WDS, MHN-SA 2KW 400V/956, MHN-SB/HO 2KW 400V/956, LPW2000M/D, LPW1000MB/L, LPP2000MHN-SA, LPP2000MHN-SB.
There is big problem that traditional lamps can not cannot meet the needs of 4K and 8K high-definition broadcast and huge energy consumption.
With the strengthening of environmental lighting awareness and the pursuit of high-quality lighting, there is a trend to replace traditional lamps by high quality of LED Stadium Lights.
MECREE has launched the following series of LED Sport Stadium Lighting:

1. SPL series stadium lights are designed for 160 feet to 1000 feet of lighting distances and 4K, 8K HD broadcasting.
2. AFL series stadium lights are designed for lighting distances from 50 feet to 330 feet and improve the brightness uniformity.
3. P73 series stadium lights are designed for the precise light control needs of the North American and European markets. The Upward Light Ratio of the P73 series LED stadium lights is 0%.

MECREE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED PLC (PRECISE LIGHT CONTROL) TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SUCH USERS, POLARIZED LIGHT 73°DEFINED AS P73 SERIES PRODUCTS, P73 SERIES PRODUCTS TO BRING YOU AN UNPRECEDENTED VISUAL FEAST.

New LED Sports Lighting Solution Provider

PRECISE CONTROL OF LIGHT 1

-OPTICS 10X BETTER

P73

Our precisely engineered optics of polarized light aim light directly onto the field of play, to shine uniformly and to minimize glare. Outdoor venues benefit from spill light control, no more skyglow and no more complaints from the neighbors.

COMPETITORS

1. Such light shield is useless,just misleading customers.
2. As tested it will cause 30% reduction of light output
3. While 70% still have high overflow
4. Unbearable strong glare
5. Waste energy,outdated reflective technology

PRECISE CONTROL OF LIGHT 1

-OPTICS 10X BETTER

REMOTE DRIVER

The power supply and lamp body can be mounted separately, reducing the withstand weight of the lamp pole and facilitating maintenance.

CONVENIENT INSTALLATION 3

-EASY CROSSARM REPLACEMENT

Customized crossarms are available to meet all your existing old poles without replacing the main rod, crossarms bolt directly to light pole, easy and accurate installation saves time, ensures performance, safety and reliability,also lower the budget.

What can MECREE do for you?

We are not only a manufacturer of high-power LEDs, More professional services are also included:
Provide the most suitable solution through light simulation calculation. Design of Lighthouse, parameters required for building foundation, (axial force, shear force, bending force). High power generator set supporting,circuit design service,cable supply. We are your best supply chain manager! One stop service for you! Of course, lighting solutions for other fields are also included. Save you time,unnecessary costs and greater benefits.

Best LED STADIUM LIGHTS – Special Designed for sports lighting