DERELICT UNFINISHED HOTEL TO BE REPLACED BY A BIGGER COMPLEX
The site at 20-24 Bolton Street in Dublin's north inner city holds a complex history, marked by tragedy, change, and ongoing development. Once the scene of a devastating building collapse, the site has transitioned through various uses over the decades, and is now poised for a new chapter as a hotel.
The Early Years: Tragedy Strikes
In June 1963, the site was at the centre of a tragic incident that shook the community. The demolition of a building to make way for a petrol station led to the collapse of a neighbouring tenement, resulting in the death of two elderly residents. This event highlighted the risks associated with urban redevelopment and the importance of ensuring safety during construction.
The Petrol Station Era: Business and Discontent
By 1972, the site had transformed into a petrol station and service centre operated by Bolton Street Service Station Limited. This 24-hour establishment offered a wide range of products and services, but its presence caused discontent among local businesses, who felt threatened by its competition. The petrol station eventually ceased trading in the 1980s, leaving the site vacant for a number of years.
A Fleeting Attempt: The "Wal-Mart" Fiasco
In the late 1990s or early 2000s, a brief and unsuccessful attempt was made to establish a business using the name "Wal-Mart" or "Wall-Mart" at the location. The reasons for its failure are unclear, but the American retail giant's trademark likely played a role in the business's short lifespan.
Planning for the Future: Hotel Development
In 2008, a planning application was submitted to demolish the remnants of the petrol station and construct a six-story building with apartments, retail units, and parking. However, this project did not materialise.
In 2017, planning permission was granted for a six-storey, 66-bedroom hotel on the site, but this project also failed during the construction phase.
The Current Status: A New Hotel Proposal
A new planning application has recently been lodged for a seven-storey, 90-bedroom hotel on the site. This proposal includes a reception area, café, breakfast room, and a courtyard. The developers aim to address the lack of hotel accommodation in the north inner city and contribute to the area's revitalisation. The increased height and room count compared to the previous approval are intended to enhance the hotel's viability and sustainability.
The Future of 20-24 Bolton Street
While the fate of the current hotel proposal remains uncertain, the site's history demonstrates a continuous evolution and adaptation to changing times. From tragedy to commerce, and from vacancy to revitalisation, 20-24 Bolton Street has witnessed the transformation of Dublin's urban landscape. As the city continues to grow and develop, the site's future will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the character and vibrancy of the north inner city.
The Early Years: Tragedy Strikes
In June 1963, the site was at the centre of a tragic incident that shook the community. The demolition of a building to make way for a petrol station led to the collapse of a neighbouring tenement, resulting in the death of two elderly residents. This event highlighted the risks associated with urban redevelopment and the importance of ensuring safety during construction.
The Petrol Station Era: Business and Discontent
By 1972, the site had transformed into a petrol station and service centre operated by Bolton Street Service Station Limited. This 24-hour establishment offered a wide range of products and services, but its presence caused discontent among local businesses, who felt threatened by its competition. The petrol station eventually ceased trading in the 1980s, leaving the site vacant for a number of years.
A Fleeting Attempt: The "Wal-Mart" Fiasco
In the late 1990s or early 2000s, a brief and unsuccessful attempt was made to establish a business using the name "Wal-Mart" or "Wall-Mart" at the location. The reasons for its failure are unclear, but the American retail giant's trademark likely played a role in the business's short lifespan.
Planning for the Future: Hotel Development
In 2008, a planning application was submitted to demolish the remnants of the petrol station and construct a six-story building with apartments, retail units, and parking. However, this project did not materialise.
In 2017, planning permission was granted for a six-storey, 66-bedroom hotel on the site, but this project also failed during the construction phase.
The Current Status: A New Hotel Proposal
A new planning application has recently been lodged for a seven-storey, 90-bedroom hotel on the site. This proposal includes a reception area, café, breakfast room, and a courtyard. The developers aim to address the lack of hotel accommodation in the north inner city and contribute to the area's revitalisation. The increased height and room count compared to the previous approval are intended to enhance the hotel's viability and sustainability.
The Future of 20-24 Bolton Street
While the fate of the current hotel proposal remains uncertain, the site's history demonstrates a continuous evolution and adaptation to changing times. From tragedy to commerce, and from vacancy to revitalisation, 20-24 Bolton Street has witnessed the transformation of Dublin's urban landscape. As the city continues to grow and develop, the site's future will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the character and vibrancy of the north inner city.
DERELICT UNFINISHED HOTEL TO BE REPLACED BY A BIGGER COMPLEX