In February, Dublin City Council asked the applicant, DTDL Ltd, to re-draw its proposals for the facade as part of a request for further information.
Six days later the project’s design team of O’Donnell+Tuomey and BKD Architects presented their initial response and sketch design to planners.
Now, in further information lodged, the design team claims “the revised proposals introduce a more defined and cohesive architectural expression that enhances the building’s presence at St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street”.
It says “a new entrance canopy establishes a strong sense of arrival and reinforces the corner as a key landmark, supported by a coordinated material strategy and integrated signage to improve legibility”.
The new design includes placing a mature tulip tree within the entrance forecourt, set within a raised stone planter incorporating a continuous perimeter seat.
Proposed new design of the facade of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin city centre
Today’s news in 90 Seconds – Monday, March 30
The design team says “at street level, the design focuses on creating a more active and engaging public realm through the incorporation of seating, high-quality materials and improved visual connections with the interior”.
These interventions “are complemented by enhancements to the forecourt, including tree planting, integrated seating and a refined paving layout that subtly guides movement towards the entrance while maintaining clear pedestrian circulation”.
A 27-page submission to the council says the modifications “aim to enhance the building’s relationship with the public realm, reinforce the prominence of this key corner and contribute positively to the streetscape”.
The existing Stephen’s Green shopping centre
John Spain & Associates, planning consultants for the project, said it supports the revised approach to the facade.
Its submission says the proposed development “provides for a more interesting, high-quality design which provides more benefits for the public when compared to the existing building on site”.
In December, DTDL Ltd lodged revised plans for the redevelopment of the landmark shopping centre five months after An Coimisiún Pleanála refused planning permission for its initial €100m revamp.
The designers insist the revised proposal will make an enduring contribution to the city’s built environment, setting a new benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the heart of Dublin through its “exemplar standard of urban design”.
The scheme, created through a BKD Architects/O’Donnell + Tuomey collaboration, will have capacity to accommodate 3,000 office workers. The retail floor area at basement, ground and first floor levels will be 19,001 square metres.
An Taisce and former Irish Times journalist Frank McDonald, who appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála against Dublin City Council’s grant of permission in December 2023, have outlined their opposition to the new plan in fresh submissions.
An objection lodged on behalf of the Save Stephen’s Green Campaign is backed by a petition of 20,000 signatures.