Developers Ventaway Limited have renewed their bid to build a €68 million office development at the former City Arts Centre in Dublin.
After An Bord Pleanala shot down previous plans, the new proposal seeks to construct a building 14 storeys in height. This is a far cry from the initially proposed 24-storey building.
The plan will see the demolition of all existing buildings on site. Structures under a Dangerous Buildings Notice may be demolished before the Council decides.
The building is primarily for office use but will also include an arts centre, a café and an auditorium.
The proposed arts centre will remain on the ground and lower ground floor levels.
Offices will occupy space from the ground to the 13th floor.
A double basement will provide parking spaces, including 11 car parking spaces, 314 bicycle spaces and three motorcycle parking spaces.
Developers Ventaway Limited have renewed their bid to build a €68 million office development at the former City Arts Centre in Dublin. Credit: Henry J Lyons
A further 16 short-stay bicycle spaces will be available at ground floor level along the western site boundary.
Although the building will be shorter than previously planned, it will be wider with a gross floor area of 28,569 sq.m, including 910 sq.m. arts centre and 23,501 sq.m. offices;
This is up from the 22,587 sq.m. for office space in the refused plan.
Ventaway first submitted plans for the site in 2022, at 24 storeys it was projected to be Dublin’s tallest building.
However, Dublin City Council refused permission with An Bord Pleanala upholding this decision in 2024.
In their report, the board found that the building would “seriously detract from the setting and character of the Custom House and environs”.
ABP further believed that it would “stand apart as an overly assertive solo building”.
The City Arts Centre
The site has been largely out of use since 2003 when The City Arts Centre vacated the spot.
The organisation was set up in 1973 in response to a growing need for an art and culture centre for working-class teenagers living in the inner-city during a time of economic turmoil.
Although occupying a number of spaces during its lifespan, its Moss Street location was its most prolific.
The band U2 moved into the centre in 1988, providing fully equipped rehearsal spaces for starting-up bands in the basement.
At the time, it was the largest centre of its kind in Ireland.
It was liquidated in 2012.
Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons
