Derelict stadium that failed in Euro 2028 hosting bid finally gets green light for redevelopment

Abandoned Belfast stadium Casement Park is finally set to undergo a much-needed facelift.

In a letter sent by Ulster GAA to residents living near the derelict stadium, work on the ‘stadium redevelopment’ would commence on January 26 and is expected to continue for approximately three months.

Getty

The letter adds: “Initial works will involve site preparations, followed by site clearance and the demolition of existing structures within the stadium’s boundary, including the old stand.

“As the project progresses, we move closer to delivering our provincial stadium that will provide lasting sporting, social and economic benefits for the local area and wider region.

“We would like to thank you, our neighbours, the local community and GAA members for the continued support and understanding as this transformative project advances.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill expressed her delight at the work finally getting underway and wrote on X: “I am a firm believer in the power of sport and the lasting impact it brings to people’s lives, our communities, and local economy.

“Building a new Casement Park stadium is a key Executive priority.

“We must work together to deliver on a transformative vision for sports.”

Casement Park, located in west Belfast, has not been in operation since 2013.

Plans to upgrade the venue were first revealed in 2011, with the Northern Irish government agreeing to provide funding for the renovations.

However, multiple delays – including a legal challenge from local residents – meant the can was constantly kicked further down the road.

Planning permission for a new-look Casement was granted in 2021, with a proposed seating capacity of 34,500.

Getty

But the financial situation soon became bleak as the estimated costs needed to redevelop Casement Park soared.

The delayed Casement Project also meant it was prevented from being a host stadium for Euro 2028, which will be jointly held by the UK and Ireland.

Ten venues were named in the official proposal that was unveiled in April 2023, which included Everton’s yet-to-be-built stadium in Bramley-Moore Dock and Belfast’s Casement Park.

Steps had been taken for Casement Park’s redevelopment once it was listed as a Euro 2028 venue, with clearing work beginning in March 2024.

However, the Belfast-based venue was dropped from the list in September 2024 due to no progress being made, a decision Irish Football Association chief executive Patrick Nelson was ‘very disappointed’ by.

It means no matches at Euro 2028 will be played in Northern Ireland.

Although it won’t be ready for the next instalment of the European Championships, residents can now look forward to a much-needed renovation of the venue.

The visual mock-ups of the redeveloped Casement Park show a sleek-looking venue, with the designs being drawn up by the architects behind Tottenham Hotspur’s £1billion stadium.

Casement Park was the marquee venue for Gaelic Football in Northern Ireland prior to its abandonment.

The ground was first opened in 1953 and was in use for 60 years before it was closed.