Re: *updates*

🙂 DAT Partnerships have lodged Significant Further Information on its plans for CentrePoint, their Clontarf Street proposal, destined for a tiny triangular site (circa. 2,250sq ft +) bored by Oliver Plunkett Street Lower to the south, Deane Street to the west and Clontraf Street to the east – and which was purchased for a staggering figure just under €1m. Coughlan de Keyser Architects (Daniel Luxton) had been assigned for design on the project which originally intended to rise 12-storeys in height, but following the outcome of preplanning talks, was lodged at a reduced height of 9-storeys (with a gross floor space of under 30,000sq ft). The design drew much discussion given its unusual form which resembled something of a ‘torch flame’ (see below):

Original CentrePoint proposal – eastern elevation.

The application received a submission from Kevin Hurley of An Taisce stating that a recognition of design intentions, but criticism of its form and height among other things.

In their request for Further Information, CCC noted their dis-satisfaction with the cantivelered nature of the design which overhung public footpaths – they additionally pointed out that the height of the building’s southern elevation negatively impacted neighbouring No.6 Lapps Quay and the visual continuity of the vista south-to-north along Eglinton Street, facing Lapps Quay. The CentrePoint project, in their view, seemed to dominated the other buildings in the area at CityQuarter and Lapps Quay. A request for height reductions at this elevation was sought along with revisions in the buildings impact with respect to public foothpaths.

Whether one likes or dislikes the original design is one thing, however there was a clear willingness to explore forms other than those generally associated with the districts established buildings. I’ll bring details of the revised form soon and you can judge for yourselves the outcome of the latest design efforts.

A decision on CentrePoint is due for the 30th January 2005 – the same date scheduled for a decision on John Cleary Developments large Sifco-redevelopment near Mahon Point. Coughlan de Keyser are responsible here too for the design on JCD’s 5-storey (circa) 130,000sq ft office and retail development…so it should be a big day for them!

😮 For those wondering, a decision date on the Rothbury Estates application to redevelop the former Sunbeam Factory in Blackpool is currently expected for the 18th Feburary 2005. Design is by Richard Rainey & Associates and further details may be found here.

anto – the existing NMRC is staying put, in fact an application will soon be lodged for an 4-storey, 40,000sq ft (circa) extension of the facility. Indeed it is a lovely structure. The proposals posted above are aspirational really – I was putting it up as a demonstration of what can be achieved in the docklands rejuvenation. It’s realisation – even if not for solely academic purposes (say as a broader mixed-use commercial development) in any event would be rather pleasant