construction

THE CURRENT STATE OF DORSET STREET FLATS AND ST MARY’S PLACE FLATS

November 16, 2024 by infomatique

ALMOST TOTALLY DEMOLISHED 15 NOVEMBER 2024

I last addressed this subject in March 2024 but today I was surprised that all blocks have been demolished (more or less) because I had believed that the block on Upper Dominick Street was to be renovated rather than replaced.

Dorset Street Flats Redevelopment: A New Chapter Begins

The Dorset Street and St Mary’s Place flats complex in Dublin’s north inner city is undergoing a significant transformation. After years of planning and preparation, the demolition of the existing 1960s-era flats is now complete, making way for a modern and vibrant community.

Project Goals:

This redevelopment project aims to:

Provide 163 new homes: A mix of houses, duplexes, and apartments to meet the diverse housing needs of the community.
Improve the urban environment: Create a safer, more inclusive, and attractive space with high-quality public areas, landscaped streets, and play spaces.
Enhance community well-being: Incorporate community facilities, a crèche, a commercial unit, and a cafe to foster social interaction and support local residents.

Timeline:

Demolition: Completed as of November 2024.
Construction Start: Expected to commence shortly.
Estimated Completion: Q4 2026.
Key Project Features:

Two enclosed courtyards: A modern design approach to promote safety and community interaction.
Mix of housing types and sizes: Caters to a variety of households.
Sustainable design: Incorporates energy-efficient measures to reduce environmental impact.

Challenges and Considerations:

The project has faced challenges, including:

Relocating existing residents: Ensuring that all residents were provided with suitable alternative accommodation before demolition.
Addressing anti-social behaviour: The site experienced anti-social behaviour during the de-tenanting process, highlighting the need for ongoing community support and safety measures.

Meeting sustainability targets: Balancing the need for new housing with EU directives on whole-life carbon emissions in construction.
Looking Ahead:

The Dorset Street Flats redevelopment represents a significant investment in Dublin’s north inner city. By replacing outdated and problematic housing with a modern, well-designed community, this project promises to improve the lives of residents and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the area.

FROM PEARSE STATION TO NEWCOMEN BRIDGE

September 30, 2024 by infomatique

THE ROADWORKS ARE MORE OR LESS COMPLETE

The Clontarf to City Centre (C2CC) Scheme has made significant strides recently, with a major milestone reached on September 1st, 2024. The inbound general traffic diversion between Edge’s Corner (Fairview Strand) and the Five Lamps Junction was lifted, easing traffic flow in the area and marking progress in the ongoing construction.

Specifically, the area between Amiens Street and Newcomen Bridge has witnessed several changes due to the C2CC scheme.

Improved pedestrian experience: Footpaths along Amiens Street have been repaved, decluttered, and improved, creating a more pleasant and accessible environment for pedestrians.
Enhanced landscaping: The addition of landscaping features like bio-retention areas and pollinator-friendly planting has improved the overall aesthetics and environmental sustainability of the area.
Bus stop changes: Some existing bus stops along Amiens Street have been relocated or removed to accommodate the new infrastructure, which may impact commuters who rely on public transport.
Utility infrastructure upgrades: The project has also involved the renewal of public and private utility infrastructure, including replacing old water mains, which may have caused temporary disruptions but will lead to long-term benefits.
Overall, the C2CC scheme is set to bring significant benefits to the area between Amiens Street and Newcomen Bridge, including:

Safer and more efficient cycling infrastructure: Segregated cycling facilities will encourage more people to cycle, providing a healthier and more sustainable mode of transport.
Improved bus journey times: Bus priority infrastructure will enhance public transport reliability and efficiency.
Enhanced urban realm: The improvements to footpaths, landscaping, and public spaces will create a more attractive and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors.
While the construction phase has inevitably caused some disruptions, the completion of the C2CC scheme is expected to transform the area between Amiens Street and Newcomen Bridge, creating a more accessible, sustainable, and vibrant urban environment. The project is currently on track to be fully completed in Q4 2024.

SOUTH RICHMOND STREET

September 23, 2024 by infomatique

STILL A CONSTRUCTION SITE

I visited South Richmond Street yesterday as I had discovered that a new Indian restaurant “Desi Crew” was to open 24 September which is good news as many restaurants on East side of the street have been forced to close or relocate due to massive redevelopment in the immediate as well as the general area. I photographed the new restaurant and hope to have lunch there on Tuesday all going well.

South Richmond Street: Transformation Amidst Ongoing Redevelopment

As of September 21st, 2024, South Richmond Street in Dublin continues its metamorphosis. While many derelict buildings have disappeared, replaced by completed or near-complete construction projects, the overall area remains in a state of flux.

One major development, the €40m boutique hotel at Portobello Harbour, is now operational as the NYX Hotel. This 6-storey structure boasts 175 bedrooms, along with amenities such as a bar, restaurant, gym, meeting rooms, and a business library.

Plans for a €2.6 million redesign of Portobello Plaza, aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour that arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, have been announced by Dublin City Council. The project envisions pedestrianising Richmond Row from the Rathmines Road canal bridge to Portobello Harbour, passing in front of the Lower Deck pub. However, the project has faced criticism for its perceived lack of greenery and abundance of concrete. It also appears to be entangled in a dispute with the newly opened NYX Hotel, potentially delaying construction for up to 18 months.

The broader landscape of South Richmond Street has seen significant change in recent years. Several restaurants and shops have closed, including the Bernard Shaw, whose departure elicited mixed reactions from local residents. The once vibrant hub of street art, Richmond Villas (now Richmond Street South), is currently dominated by the sprawling construction site for Charlemont Square, Amazon’s future Dublin headquarters. It’s anticipated that the laneway, along with the Bernard Shaw and nearby buildings, will be demolished to make way for this development.

Amazon, already employing over 2,500 people in Ireland, plans to add another 1,000 jobs over the next two years, with many positions based in Dublin, including the Portobello area. The Charlemont Square project, though potentially delayed due to the pandemic, is a mixed-use development comprising 79 social housing units, 184 private residential units, commercial office space, and retail units.

Historical Context

An 1837 Ordnance Survey map reveals only one building on the western side of Richmond Street (excluding the Portobello Hotel), corresponding to the former Caroline Records shop at number 34. The nearby Portobello Hotel, designed by James Colbourne, opened in 1807. In 1858, it became St. Mary’s Asylum for blind girls, run by Catholic nuns. Despite initial controversy over funding and religious differences, the asylum thrived until its sale in 1868 to Mr. Isaac Cole, who restored it to its original hotel function.

The hotel, popular with officers from the nearby Portobello Barracks, also boasted proximity to the Royal Dublin Society grounds. However, its catering facilities lagged behind. In 1871, a local businessman publicly urged Mr. Cole to provide affordable dining options, highlighting the area’s lack of restaurants at the time.