Commuting Facilities to be Developed at Belfield
The Belfield Campus population has been expanding at a rapid rate during the last decade while the University realised the ambition to accommodate the majority of the academic activity on the main campus. The rate of Campus growth is expected to continue with the commencement of the next campus development cycle as set-out in the UCD Strategic Plan to 2014. A key challenge associated with this expansion is the related commuting issues.
The university has received full planning permission from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the development of the first campus commuting facility - Campus West. This facility is being developed in conjunction with the new Student Learning, Leisure and Sports complex (SLLS) and will be located adjacent to the sports centre on the existing tennis court and car park site. The tennis courts are being relocated to a site neighbouring the National Hockey Stadium.
UCD's Campus Development Plan and the Campus Commuting Framework identified sites for commuting facilities at each of the main entrances. The Campus West facility will be the first. These commuting facilities will address the needs of different types of commuters and promote sustainable modes of transport.
The facility will be a multi-storey structure that includes new bus facilities, dedicated coach parking and secure parking for over 600 bicycles with shower, changing and locker facilities as well as a bike shop. There will be 80 dedicated motorbike and 583 car parking spaces, which will include charging points for electric cars.
The design of Campus West will incorporate energy saving technology and the building includes photo-voltaic panels which could provide up to 40% of the energy requirements for the facility. It is hoped to complete the facility in time for the opening of the SLLS complex.
(Above) Artist impressions of Campus West Commuting Facility
