SOME CLAIMED THAT PART OF THIS BUILDING WAS A PROTECTED STRUCTURE
This was Twilfit House. It appears the redevelopment is going ahead, and despite claims that at least one element of the site was a protected structure, everything has been demolished. My main concern now is that we, in the city centre, will end up with another “void” site.
The stalling of hotel construction projects in Dublin City Centre is a complex issue with several contributing factors:
- Economic Downturn and Uncertainty:
COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic had a significant impact on the hospitality industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourism. This created uncertainty for investors, causing many projects to be put on hold or canceled.
Economic Uncertainty: Rising inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and the wider economic instability due to global conflicts have made investors more cautious, impacting hotel development.
- Rising Construction Costs:
Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and other factors have led to increased material prices.
Labor Shortages: The construction industry is facing labor shortages, contributing to higher costs and delays.
- Oversaturation Concerns:
Pre-Pandemic Boom: Dublin witnessed a significant surge in hotel development before the pandemic. Some analysts believe the market was approaching saturation, even before the downturn.
- Planning and Regulatory Hurdles:
Strict Planning Regulations: Dublin has strict planning regulations aimed at preserving the city’s architectural heritage, which can sometimes cause delays or complications in development projects.
Community Opposition: Some hotel developments have faced opposition from local communities concerning issues like overdevelopment and potential disruptions.
- Shift in Tourism Trends:
Change in Preferences: There may be a shift in tourist preferences towards alternative types of accommodation like short-term rental properties (e.g., Airbnb), potentially impacting the demand for traditional hotels.
The Future:
The outlook for hotel construction in Dublin remains uncertain in the short term. However, as tourism eventually recovers and economic stability returns, projects may gradually resume. The construction industry may also need to adapt to changing demands and explore new development models.
Twilfit House History
Twilfit House, a three-story, early 20th-century building, was completed around 1930. Named after the popular “Twilfit” corset brand, it was the Irish headquarters for Leethems. The building featured spacious, well-lit factory floors, representing a shift in Irish industry towards larger workspaces. Architecturally, it showcased a late Art Deco style, with geometric lines, curved accents, and large windows.
The New Development At The Site Shown In My Photographs
UK-based Premier Inn developers, Whitebread, purchased Twilfit House and adjacent buildings with the intent to demolish them for a new hotel. This sparked debate about preserving Dublin’s historic buildings. Whitebread received planning permission for a 7-story, 180-bedroom hotel, intending to follow the original design by The O’Toole Partnership. While initial projections suggested a 2022 opening, the project has likely faced delays.
Fact-Checking
Protected Structure? I couldn’t find specific evidence that Twilfit House itself was a Protected Structure. However, it’s possible certain elements within the site might have had
Delay? Without a current status on the construction, it’s safe to assume a delay.
Void Sites
In Ireland, a “void site” refers to a piece of land or a property that is vacant and unused. Here’s a breakdown of why these are a concern:
Types of Void Sites:
Brownfield Sites: Former industrial or commercial land potentially contaminated and needing remediation before reuse.
Derelict Sites: Buildings that are abandoned, dilapidated, and in a state of disrepair.
Vacant Lots: Pieces of land within urban areas, usually intended for development but remaining unused.
Why Void Sites are an Issue:
Urban Blight: They can detract from the visual appeal and safety of neighbourhoods.
Housing Shortages: They highlight missed opportunities to increase much-needed housing supply, especially in city centres.
Economic Impact: Unused sites can depress property values in the area and discourage investment.
Potential for Crime: Void sites can sometimes become targets for vandalism, squatting, or illegal dumping.
What’s Being Done About Void Sites
Government Initiatives: The Irish government has programs to identify, register, and encourage the redevelopment of void sites. These can include financial incentives for developers.
Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs): In some cases, local authorities can use CPOs to acquire void sites and facilitate their redevelopment.
Community Engagement: Local community groups often push for the revitalisation of void sites, turning them into public spaces or amenities.