The Curragh Racecourse

Momentum worked as part of the Grimshaw-led team on the development of a new grandstand and masterplan for the iconic Irish racecourse.  Understanding the movement of people and vehicles was key to developing a masterplan that could deliver as effectively on busy Derby race days as on non-event days, whilst respecting the sensitive landscape of the Curragh.

Through the design process, Momentum supported the architect in developing highway, parking and service yard layouts for the racecourse in its different modes of operation.

We developed a comprehensive event day traffic management plan which assessed travel behaviours on major event days and developed an operational plan for traffic, parking, servicing and emergency access. Alongside this, we developed a transport impact assessment of non-event days, assessing the impacts of the proposed new museum and conferencing facilities on the local transport network.

We also used crowd modelling to understand the movement of racegoers across the new masterplan and within the grandstand. This required an understanding of the unique attributes of a major racecourse and how spectators behave on race day, from circulation space available around the parade ring, and the ability for spectators to view the finish line, to access to the new grandstand, or vertical circulation to the new hospitality facilities.