The RDS has the happy knack of taking giant leaps forward while still holding fast to its traditions. So it was when it moved from Leinster Lawn to Ballsbridge back in 1881 and when it built the Anglesea Stand in 1927 to accommodate increased attendances for the new Aga Khan Trophy. And now it is happening again with this €20m development of a new Anglesea Stand and the complete upgrade of the pocket area to facilitate not only equestrianism but international rugby and top-flight concert entertainment.

A competition for the design of these new facilities was launched early last year. A total of 35 entries were received from four countries. First examined by a technical panel and then by a five-member architectural jury, entries were whittled down to five finalists, who were then issued with more detailed instructions that included specific reference to the horse show needs.

In-depth consultations with those within the equestrian world ensured that their concerns were well noted within the stage two brief.

Architect Joan O’Connor is a knowledgeable member of the jury. She not only has 40 years’ experience in her chosen profession but is also a dedicated equestrian enthusiast.

“I love rugby but I also see Dublin as a flagship event for the Irish horse. So we set down the requirements not only for the general public but for riders, owners, invited guests and horse show staff. The new brief for the pocket addressed the need to see it as the camera show face of the Horse Show, uniquely Dublin, functional, elegant and sophisticated,” she notes.

Just before year’s end, the architectural design from Newenham Mulligan of Dublin and London-based Grimshaw Arcitects was selected. Incidentally, this group also had success in the Ideal For the Curragh competition. But it should be noted that applicants were totally anonymous and there was no way for the jury to know the origin of any one entry.

Replacing the 88-year-old Anglesea Stand and Anglesea Terrace will be a new two-tier stand that will extend the full length of the rugby pitch. Spectator capacity for the arena will increase by 7.000 to 25,000. It will have two balcony concourses to the rear facing onto the showing rings. These concourses will have refreshment outlets and stair and lift access. The ground floor of the stand will feature at least four see-through areas that will give clear views from the showing rings into the Main Arena. The RDS offices will be moved to another location on the grounds.

The sand ring at the end of ring one will no longer serve as a warm-up for the Main Arena. Instead, competitors will use the Simmonscourt warm-up and then go directly to a holding area in a much enlarged pocket.

It is envisaged that the pocket could extend from a minimum of 800 square metres to a maximum of 2,000 square metres. It will be newly landscaped and have high-quality refreshment facilities. According to the architectural brief, it will also feature “VIP and sponsor dining for 200 with optimal views, comfort and levels of service”.

It sounds like the pocket is really going to be the place to be during Horse Show week.

The jumping arena will remain at its full length. There will still be an eight-row standing area all along the Anglesea side of the Main Arena.

As for the judges’ box and press accommodation, CEO Michael Duffy notes that items like this will have to be addressed in the “fleshing out” process that will follow the selection of the overall design that now goes for planning permission. Stabling does not come into the equation in relation to the new stand but may be a factor as further development takes place. Construction will begin after the 2016 Horse Show and be completed in time for the 2017 show.