Dorset Street Flats Archives - EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

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 By replacing outdated and problematic housing with a modern, well-designed community, this project promises to improve the lives of residents and contribute to the ongoing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.

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Anti-social behaviour in certain Dublin public housing flat complexes has been a significant concern

I have lived in the area for about thirty years and were lead to believe that there were plans to revitalise the area and in general there was little or no improvement and in many way things went downhill. Despite everything I like living in the area.

Dorset Street Flats: Dublin city councillors are calling for a review of the timeline to demolish the Dorset Street Flats in the north inner city amid ongoing open drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. The current units have been found to have poor energy efficiency with sub-standard kitchens and bathrooms. There is also a poor site layout that officials say has facilitated anti-social behaviour.

St Mary’s Place Flats: Dublin City Council proposes to redevelop the Dorset Street and St Mary’s Place Flat Complex. The new development would be built around two enclosed courtyards. Enclosed courtyard design is intended as one of the ways to address problems with anti-social behaviour.

As for the City Council’s plans, they have published a Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026. The council is moving away from demolition and plans to renovate and deeply retrofit those flat complexes that need substantial work going forward. The council is assessing all of its 199 flat complexes across the city to work out which ones are most in need of renovation and retrofitting. The council is also undertaking an extensive scheme which involves securing and clearing out all empty units and access to detenanted (I have not encountered this word before) landings.

These measures are expected to help resolve the issues that have a negative impact on the general area. However, the effectiveness of these measures will need to be evaluated over time.

Dominic Street Flats: The vacant Dominic Street Flats and an associated car park are due to be boarded up to prevent “extreme” drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour1. Dublin City Council will secure the walkway and car park along the flat complex on Dominick street Lower following requests from local residents and gardaí. The council hopes stopping access to the site will prevent further anti-social behaviour and protect the public from the adverse effects of the vacant site. To the best of my knowledge this project has been completed.

I checked – “Detenanted”: This word is uncommon but technically correct. It means vacated by tenants. You could substitute “vacated” or “formerly occupied” for clarity.