PROTECTED STRUCTURE The conservation, refurbishment and upgrade of the existing National Concert Hall (NCH) buildings including: the former University Building’s Butler north-east and south-cast wings and the central Butler main entrance block (c.1914); the former Exhibition Hall buildings (c.1865) including the south range, the main auditorium, the John Field and Carolan rooms; the former UCD Medical Library and north range. The total floor area of the existing buildings, subject of this planning application, is 16,560sqm. The development includes a new three storey over basement extension to the west of the existing auditorium, ante space and Carolan Room (3610sqm), the insertion of a new floor to both the Studio Space (226sqm) and the former Medical Library (662sqm) and a new two storey atrium extension linking the Butler building to. the central 1865 block (336m) and an extension to the basement under the main auditorium (873sqm). The overall area of the proposed development is 20,869sqm (4295sqm basement and 16,574sqm above ground) The main buildings and boundary walls, the subject of application are designated Protected Structures within the NCH complex (Ref: RPS 2425). Adjacent protected structures include the Real Tennis Court (Ref: RPS 2426) and Iveagh House (Department of Foreign Affairs) and Iveagh Gardens, including stone garden folly (Ref. RPS 7791).
In order to facilitate proposed development, the following demolitions are required:
1042sqm two storey former Anatomy Block (c.1884 with c.1930 modifications) plus 332sqm . of ancillary extensions;
116sqm two storey (1981) plant room with associated roof plant to the rear of the main auditorium;
65sqm two storey (2016) temporary stair block to the rear of the 1865 building
250sqm three storey over basement (c.1995) sanitary accommodation extension to the rear of Butler north-east wing including existing bridge link structure at first floor level;
Removal of an internal fire stair core (1981) located to the west of the John Field Room;
Removal of escape stairs (1981) from the auditorium within the south range;
Removal of existing (c.1960) external fire escape stairs between Butler building and 1865 block;
Removal of a section of the basement (c.1914) under the existing carpark to the front of the south wings of Butler building;
Removal of several internal modern interventions throughout the buildings.
The existing limestone façade to Earlsfort terrace will be cleaned and conserved. The existing rendered and partly rendered masonry walls to the elevations of the 1865 former exhibition hall buildings shall be repaired re-rendered as appropriate. Refurbishment work will include the conservation and repaired existing external windows, doors, roof lights and upgrading – restoration and repair of existing slate roof and rainwater goods, proposed removal of existing bitumen roof covering to the auditorium and John Field room roof structures and replacement with metal standing seam roof finish and new rooflights. Any existing original external glazing will be retained where possible and works will include the upgrade of glazing to some areas. The window openings of the main auditorium shall reopened and a secondary glazing shall be installed externally to the existing windows. The same window treatment is proposed for the NSO rehearsal space (former UCD medical library) The works include complete replacement of all mechanical and electrical services and the provision of solar panels and heat pumps. This application includes minor modifications to the former Pathology Building, previously permitted development (Reg. Ref 4975/23). The modifications include:
The provision of a roof light in the link structure;
The re-ordering of the link structure layout to include changing places facility;
Removal of 1 no. tree from the existing landscaped area fronting onto Hatch Street;
Amendments to the external entrance ramp and steps.
The external works will comprise of hard and soft landscaping, including measures to protect the existing trees, lighting, new steps, ramps and gently sloped inclines to facilitate universal access to the proposed new entrance, provision of café terrace areas for outdoor dining, 84 no. Sheffield bicycle stands (168 bicycles) plus 8 no. cargo bicycle stands, upgrade of existing foul and surface water drainage lines, provision of SUDS features and all associated ancillary drainage, bin storage, screened mechanical Plant areas and all associated site works on a site area of circa 1.3 hectares. The service vehicle access gate off Hatch Street will be moved further east to accommodate safer access. The development has been screened for both Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment. A Basement Impact Assessment and Architectural Heritage Impact assessment has been carried out.
To find out more details on this Public Building Development in Dublin Granted permission on 17th September 2024 take the free trial here.
