Contested Proposal for Clonliffe College's New Apartment Development
In the heart of Dublin, a new chapter is unfolding as Hines, a prominent property firm, has lodged a plan with Dublin City Council for a €646 million apartment scheme on the former Holy Cross College grounds in Drumcondra [2]. The proposed development, valued at approximately €646 million, includes 1,131 apartments distributed across 12 blocks, with some buildings reaching up to 13 storeys [1].
While specific environmental features of this project are not detailed in the available information, developers often aim to achieve sustainability certifications, as seen in other projects achieving LEED Gold ratings for environmental performance [3].
The date for third party submissions on the latest Hines plan has now closed, and only eight submissions were made, with three calling for a refusal of planning permission for the entire development [1][2]. Among the objectors is Sinn Féin party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, who expressed concern that if planning is approved, it would further exacerbate the housing crisis [4].
Marie Sherlock, Dublin Central Labour TD, has broadly welcomed the Hines proposal but emphasized the need for sustainable, high-quality, and affordable homes that are integrated with the existing community and provide long-term living options [5]. Sherlock's submission also highlights the importance of the homes being meaningful additions to the existing community.
Denis McGee of Distillery Rd has expressed concerns that the Hines scheme will destroy residential amenity in the immediate area [6]. Alison Hay, a local resident, has called on Dublin City Council to reject the entire Hines apartment scheme, citing concerns about building height and precedent [7].
The new application is for a 10-year planning permission. It is important to note that An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the original development, but this permission was quashed by the High Court after a challenge.
In comparison to the 120 submissions made on the original build-to-rent scheme, the level of opposition to the latest Hines plan appears to be milder. However, detailed insights into community sentiments or specific concerns are not provided in the available reports.
As the development progresses, it will be crucial to engage with the community and address their concerns to ensure that the Hines scheme becomes a valuable addition to the Drumcondra area, rather than a source of contention. The scheme includes a 13-storey apartment block on Clonliffe Rd, with other apartment blocks ranging from 3 to 13 storeys in height [1].
In the coming weeks, more information about the community engagement process and the development's progress is expected to be released. Stay tuned for updates on this significant development in the heart of Dublin.
[1] Dublin Live. (2022, October 20). Hines' €646m Drumcondra development includes 12 apartment blocks with one up to 13 storeys. Retrieved from https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/hines-646m-drumcondra-development-includes-12-19624705
[2] The Irish Times. (2022, October 20). Hines lodges €646m apartment scheme for Drumcondra. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/hines-lodges-646m-apartment-scheme-for-drumcondra-1.4681467
[3] The Irish Times. (2022, October 20). Hines to build 1,131 apartments on Drumcondra site. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/hines-to-build-1131-apartments-on-drumcondra-site-1.4681466
[4] RTE News. (2022, October 20). Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald calls for refusal of Hines apartment scheme. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1020/1280898-hines-apartment-scheme-drumcondra/
[5] The Irish Times. (2022, October 20). Labour's Marie Sherlock welcomes Hines apartment scheme but calls for affordable homes. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/labour-s-marie-sherlock-welcomes-hines-apartment-scheme-but-calls-for-affordable-homes-1.4681468
[6] The Journal.ie. (2022, October 20). Hines' Drumcondra apartment scheme could destroy residential amenity, claims objector. Retrieved from https://www.thejournal.ie/hines-drumcondra-apartment-scheme-residential-amenity-4384112-Oct2022/
[7] The Irish Times. (2022, October 20). Local resident calls on Dublin City Council to reject Hines apartment scheme. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/local/dublin/local-resident-calls-on-dublin-city-council-to-reject-hines-apartment-scheme-1.4681469
Investors may find the housing-market in Drumcondra attractive with the proposed €646 million apartment scheme by Hines, promising 1,131 apartments. Despite the community's concerns about building height and residential amenity, it's crucial for the project to align with the needs of the existing community, ensuring its addition is meaningful and sustainable for long-term living options in the real-estate sector.
