The site of the old Carlton Cinema on O'Connell Street is finally going to be redeveloped, by the company behind Dundrum Town Centre.
After sitting almost unused for decades, six acres - from Upper O’Connell Street to Parnell Street to Moore Street & Henry Street - are going to be turned into a high-end retail centre.
ACME Architects have been chosen to create a vision for the site, which will become known as Dublin Central.
Graeme McQueen from Dublin Chamber of Commerce said it is likely to be a "mixed development, including a hotel, some apartments and retail".
Pictured: Victoria Gate in Leeds, which Hammerson worked on
The area sits right next to part of the site that was central to the 1916 Rising, so one of the men in charge is very aware that teams will need to be somewhat sensitive in their designs.
Simon Betty, Hammerson Director of Retail Ireland has worked on sites like Bishops Square, Spitalfields, London which, like Moore Street, has a unique historical and cultural identity that was consistently considered through a sensitive development approach.”
“We are confident the team at ACME will produce a vision which is fitting of this unique location and we believe that the right scheme can reinvigorate this part of the north inner city centre", he said.
"Hammerson is committed to ensuring that the future development of O’Connell Street and Moore Street will seek to protect and enhance its unique heritage and connections with 1916, while at the same time, delivering clear economic benefits and employment opportunities locally.”
Hammerson, which also has a hand in Dundrum Town Centre, the Ilac Centre, Swords Pavilions and Kildare Village, will work with DIT's School of Architecture on the project.
