Iconic Irish football stadium stands to fall

The Irish Football Association has announced plans for the redevelopment of Windsor Park Stadium, which will involve the demolition of the south and east stands, for which work the Association is currently seeking a contractor. The redevelopment is expected to cost £26 million (US$41 million) and iwill upgrade the stadium from its current seated capacity of 14,500 to 18,000. The project will be financed through the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, which is making more than £130 million (US$204 million) available for stadium upgrades throughout the country.

A design and build contractor is to be appointed in July 2013, with the closing date for tenders and requests to participate being 17 September 2012.

In addition to the replacement of the two stands, the existing north and west stands will be upgraded, with the resulting new Windsor Park Stadium including hospitality and refreshment outlets, toilets, an indoor training and warm up areas, offices, press facilities, and a retail and museum area.