A leading developer has applied for planning permission for nearly 500 build-to-rent apartments across from Heuston Station in Dublin.
uirside Developments, which is operated by Joe O’Reilly, has lodged an application with An Bord Pleanala to build a high-rise development comprising 481 apartments, communal facilities, office space and a cafe/restaurant on the former Hickey’s Fabrics site on Parkgate Street.
The proposed complex, which would be made up of six blocks including a 29-storey tower, would be built beside Sean Heuston Bridge.
The other blocks range in height from eight to 13 storeys.
ABANDONED
The proposals provide for 66 studio units, 298 one-bed apartments and 117 two-bed units, as well as nearly 3,700 square metres of commercial office space in a six-storey building and a retail unit as well as a public plaza and riverside walkway.
Ruirside has sought approval for the project under the fast-track planning process for strategic housing developments.
Documents filed by the developer show it abandoned its original plans for 159 shared living units following a pre-application consultation with An Bord Pleanala and Dublin City Council.
The company said it has also made a number of other amendments, including allocating an internal communal space for public hire for cultural and community uses.
Ruirside said the proposed development met many of the criteria for new housing projects under the National Planning Framework as it was delivering “a high quality, mixed-use regeneration development on a brownfield site at one of the city’s key public transportation hubs”.
While the board raised concerns about the 29-storey tower during the pre-consultation phase, Ruirside said its architect had taken considerable care to ensure it was “the correct fit for the site” and that it would “enhance its city setting as a positive landmark”.
It was reported last year that Mr O’Reilly’s main development vehicle, Chartered Land, was seeking offers of €650m for a portfolio of major apartment developments on four landmark sites in Dublin, including Parkgate Street.
Up to 700 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while the office space and commercial units will accommodate up to 650 workers.
It is proposed that 48 housing units will be leased to the council under Part V for social and affordable housing at a monthly cost of €82,097.
A ruling on the application is due to be made before May 26.
