The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced the imminent commencement of 562 new homes in a new partnership with Castlethorn, one of the country’s leading homebuilders.
The homes are due to be built at Parkgate Street in Dublin, on a site formerly occupied by Hickey’s Wholesale Fabrics warehouse, which is just across the River Liffey from Heuston Station and close to the entrance of Phoenix Park.
The project includes four inter-connected apartment blocks, one of which – Parkgate Pointe – is a landmark 30-storey centrepiece that is set to become Ireland’s tallest building.
In addition to housing, the new development will include amenities and retail space, helping to transform what has been a previously underutilised site into a new and vibrant place to live, adding significantly to the existing surrounding area.
Parkgate Street, which was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council last year, will now progress as part of a partnership between the LDA and Castlethorn.
This is the second major project the LDA is delivering in partnership with Castlethorn. Construction is currently ongoing on 328 new cost rental apartments at its Woodbrook site in Shankill.
Parkgate Street is being delivered as part of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative in which the LDA partners with private homebuilders, providing the finance required to ensure the construction and completion of new homes. The completed homes are then owned by the LDA.
The development’s main 30-storey building will include 198 apartments. The remaining homes will be delivered in three blocks, ranging in height from 10-13 storeys.
Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, and the homes are forecast to be completed in late 2029.
All of the newly developed apartments will have an A BER rating and will be completed to the highest construction standards by John Paul Construction. The development also includes a number of roof terraces and a communal landscaped courtyard.
The development is the first step in the regeneration of the Heuston Station area. The LDA and Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and are progressing design work for the phased delivery of a mixed-use Masterplan for the Heuston Quarter. This residential development is the first major step in the regeneration of this key transport hub.
The new homes on Parkgate Street will be superbly located with Dublin City Centre, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, the Liberties and Stoneybatter all within easy reach. There is a wide range of facilities, services and cultural amenities nearby and a number of transport options including bike and pedestrian routes, the Luas Red Line, Dublin Bus routes, Irish Rail’s Intercity services and convenient access to the M50.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: “It is critical to see these much-needed new homes for Dublin progressing and located in the heart of the city, where we want people to live.
“The LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative has unlocked this significant home building project and they will be made available under the Government’s cost rental scheme, providing secure and affordable homes at scale. It’s badly needed here in Dublin.
“We are making record investment in housing, and we are seeing the dial shift. I have been relentless in making key reforms and we’re driving on with what’s needed to get cranes in the sky and keys in people’s hands.”
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “This is an exciting project and a great example of how the LDA is deploying state funding to urgently address the country’s pressing housing need and to activate underutilised sites. We are pleased to partner with Castlethorn on this high profile, superbly located and groundbreaking new development.
“The LDA’s involvement will ensure the delivery of hundreds of new homes. We are already working on a number of projects in central Dublin and it’s fantastic to be adding such a well-designed and soon-to-be landmark project to our development pipeline.”
Joe O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Castlethorn said: “Parkgate Street is an important regeneration project that will transform a prominent, underutilised site into a new, well-connected residential community in the heart of Dublin. Castlethorn’s vision has been to unlock this complex and historic site, open it up to the city and create an exceptional new public realm at a prominent location on the River Liffey.
“Bringing a project of this scale from land acquisition through design and planning to construction requires considerable commitment and collaboration. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our design team, Dublin City Council and the many stakeholders who have helped the project reach this important stage. We are particularly pleased that the development will retain and incorporate important elements of the site’s historic fabric, including the river wall and entrance arch.
“Our partnership with the LDA will enable the delivery of 562 high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a location exceptionally well served by public transport, employment and amenities. It builds on the strong relationship established through the delivery of 328 homes at Woodbrook and reflects Castlethorn’s commitment to working with trusted partners to unlock complex sites and create great places that will serve communities for generations.”
Stephen Kent, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIÉ said: “We are delighted to see the LDA and Castlethorn partner to progress the Parkgate Street development. This scheme is a landmark project, which will catalyse CIÉ’s wider Heuston masterplan, and will see much needed homes, retail and office space and new public amenities, built beside a key transport hub. Pedestrian and cycle connectivity will be an important feature of our proposals, with a new boardwalk and cycle bridge linking the train station to Conyngham road and the Phoenix Park.
“Parkgate Street is an important first step in what will be a fully revitalised area, spanning North and South of the Liffey, close to the city centre, and with unparalleled transport connections, making it an ideal place to live and work”.
