04 October, 2020

 

 

 

 

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE, CIT

Description:
The project is the construction of a Learning Resource Centre which will accommodate learning, study, exhibition, engagement and entrepreneurship space.  It would allow CIT to increase capacity across STEM, Business and Humanities subjects.  The proposed building will provide an additional 6,750sqm of space in CIT.

 

Project Status:
Planning Permission, Fire Safety and Disability Access Certificate applications have all been granted and the project is at tender stage as part of a PPP Bundle for 3rd level projects.  Construction is due to start in 2021.

 
CIT ARENA

 

Description:
The CIT Arena is a multipurpose building to be used for 3 main functions namely; sports and fitness; arts and culture; academic/education.  The proposed building is 3,350sqm incorporating a full 8 court sports hall, a full cardio/weights gym, changing facilities and a number of multi-functional/project rooms.

 

Project Status:
Construction work started on site in June 2020 and the building will open in Sep 2021.

 

 

LSSIF HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETICS CENTRE

 

Description:
Application made to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport by Athletics Ireland and CIT for funding under the Large Scale Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) for a High performance Athletics Centre (extension to the CIT Arena) and resurfacing of the outdoor running track.

 

Project Status:
CIT have been provisionally allocated the grant for this project and is currently going through the final stages of approval for the grant. Construction is planned to start in 2021.

 

The sod was turned on 22 June 2020 for the new CIT/MTU Arena project by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Simon Coveney TD. This event marked the commencement of a 2-phase programme which will ultimately see in excess of €22M invested in state-of-the-art sports facilities on the CIT/MTU Bishopstown Campus.

 

 

 

Phase one of the development programme will focus on the construction of the CIT/MTU Arena while phase two, funded significantly on foot of a successful joint proposal from Athletics Ireland and CIT to the Government’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, will deliver an indoor community and high performance sports facility.

 

 

The CIT/MTU Arena is designed to be a multi-functional building. It will support three main strands of activity under the following headings: Sports/Fitness, Societies/Social and Academic/Educational. The 3,600m2 building will accommodate a large multi-function hall incorporating two basketball courts with seating for an audience of 400 people, a gymnasium, a public foyer with integrated café pod, changing/service areas and a series of studio rooms. The gymnasium will occupy an area of 800m2 and will include 100 fitness machines as well as a strength and conditioning area.  In addition to catering for the needs of the sports community, the building will host examination sittings, student concerts, higher education conferences and conventions (with the capacity to accommodate 1,000 attendees), conferring ceremonies, student exhibitions, student society activities and much more. The project is designed to achieve a very low energy usage and NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards.

 

In phase two, the development of the 3,500m2 High Performance Indoor Athletics Centre will feature a large multi-event zone incorporating a sprint track and elite training laboratories, as well as facilities for events such as the high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump. It will also provide some office space.

 

 

Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, describes the development as a huge step forward in the strategic development of athletics not just in Cork, but for sport generally in the region. According to Adams, “This investment by Government will deliver huge benefits for the sporting community in the Southern Region. The exciting plans we have for this facility, in conjunction with CIT/MTU, will create opportunities for all.”

 

Dr Barry O’Connor, President of CIT, adds “This development will be a massive boost not only for athletics, but for all sport in Cork, the surrounding community and across Munster generally. We look forward to working with Athletics Ireland in ensuring the High Performance facility will help to inspire future generations of athletes for many years to come. The recent opening of the Kerry Sports Academy by our MTU partners, IT Tralee, will complement developments here in Bishopstown and will secure the Munster Technological University as a unique resource for ensuring that sport and wellness are to the fore in our new technological university. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the many athletics clubs and sporting organisations who have backed this development, as well as acknowledging the support of our Governing Body in addition to that of our students and staff, past and present. The support and enthusiasm of CIT Student Services and CIT Students’ Union were indispensable in bringing this project to a reality. We look forward to the ever increasing participation and national and international successes of our sporting talent.”