Hammerson unveils proposals for Dublin Central regeneration project
Property investor an developer Hammerson has unveiled a proposal for the regeneration of an important 5.5 acre site in Dublin’s north inner city known as Dublin Central.
Masterplan proposals include two new public squares, new pedestrian routes and the restoration of historically important laneways, and ensures the area around 14–17 Moore Street – a National Monument due to its role in the Easter Rising – is appropriately restored as part of this landmark destination.
Three of the six planning applications for the proposed mixed-use development have been submitted to Dublin City Council, with more to follow in the coming months. These initial applications comprise lands situated on the west side of the site and include residential, hotel, retail, restaurant and café and cultural uses.
The wider Dublin Central masterplan area, with almost 200m of continuous frontage on O’Connell Street Upper is bounded by Parnell Street to the north, Moore Street to the west and Henry Street to the south and includes proposals for: 94 new homes with high-quality resident amenities, 8,000 sq m of restaurants, cafes and shops, 44,000 sq m of flexible, carefully-designed workspace, up to 210 hotel rooms, and a new public gallery and café use
Hammerson anticipates that Dublin Central, one of the largest regeneration projects in Dublin, will be a key catalyst for further inward investment into Dublin, providing a ‘much needed rebalancing’ to the city centre.
The Dublin Central masterplan has a focus on delivering: the restoration of a significant piece of O’Connell St Upper; new pedestrian connections linking O’Connell St to Moore St via a new public square and Henry Street to Henry Place/Moore Lane; Enabling works for an integrated Metrolink station; A re-imagined ‘White Building’ on Henry Place, restored as a gallery; and a new 1,250 sq. m. civic square, open to the public with potential to host activities and events.
Other key works include: restoration of the iconic Carlton façade including reinstatement of the former ‘Carlton Grill’; restoration of No 42 O’Connell Street; retention of all pre-1916 buildings and fabric along Moore Street, a new archway to commemorate the Easter Rising, and the restoration of Conway’s Pub on Parnell Street.
Dublin Central is set to be one of Dublin’s most sustainable mixed use developments, with High quality, sustainable materials with a low-embodied carbon footprint specified, including the potential for timber-frame construction. The building fabric for Dublin Central will also be optimised to reduce energy demands for heating and cooling in line with 2030 best practices guidance.
“Dublin Central will regenerate this important part of Dublin, breathing new life and vibrancy into a unique area with an important history,” said Ed Dobbs, development manager at Hammerson. “Our priority has been to preserve and celebrate the site’s heritage whilst bringing forward an appropriate proposal that seeks to enhance its history and tell its story. We are passionate about reinstating the site as a focal point of Dublin life for the people of our capital city.
“The creation of this new landmark destination will also bring significant economic, employment and spill-over benefits locally, creating safe, high-quality public spaces where people and brands will want to be.”
