Guinness Quarter Development – Craig gives a complete overview of this huge development
Ballymore have been given the go ahead to redevelop the site at St James’s gate in Dublin 8 for mixed use residential housing, hotels and offices. The development will be a new neighbourhood called the Guinness Quarter.
The entire breakdown is included in their masterplan which was submitted to Dublin City Council and its acceptance comes with a number of conditions; the build to rent units cannot be short term, and they can’t be used as airbnb.
The development has been in the works for a number of years and it entails substantial changes to St James’s Gate.
Connectivity and Reimagined Spaces
New entrances on Crane Street and Rainsford Street will provide more connectivity.
The masterplan is putting cyclists and pedestrians first int terms of its focus, there will be 2000 bicycle parking spaces in the area.
Green areas will feature in pockets of the outdoors, which covers over two acres of public spaces.
One of these spaces is set to feature a public square where people can gather and socialise. One of the things that’s been noted about Dublin City recently as a criticism is the lack of ambient public spaces where people can socialise.
Preserving Heritage
The heritage of the site as a centre of industry will be retained, with structures being refurbished and extended.
St James’s Gate landmarks including the front gate, the Western entrance to Dublin City during the middle ages, and the site walls will all be retained.
The front gate, No1 Thomas St (Arthur’s House) and the Vat house are all planned to be integrated into the site and preserved.
There will be a new food hall and marketplace, showcasing local, regional and natural produce.
Breakdown Of Housing
There will be 336 homes built, a mix of one, two, and three bedroom apartments. It will include homes to buy, homes to rent and social housing.
20% of the residential space will go towards social housing.
The Iveagh Trust will partner with Ballymore in helping with social housing.
Retail and Office Space
There are retail units designed to attract established and independent retailers in the area.
Brewhouse 2 will be converted to office space.
Workspaces will be designed for large, medium and small enterprises, to make the area a hub of activity. This will be bolstered by the Guinness enterprise centre which works with innovative companies.
There will be hotel accommodation provided by the Georgian and Victorian buildings fronting James/Thomas St which the masterplan proposes to turn into hotel accommodation.
Finally, Ballymore is aiming to make the Guinness Quarter Dublin’s first zero carbon district.
Diageo partnered with Ballymore to create a neighbourhood centred around residential living, entrepreneurship, creativity and commerce in what they are billing the “second chapter of St James’s Gate.” Full Construction for the project is expected to take place over a period of ten years.
