New 500-seat theatre being considered for Dublin City Centre

Dublin City Council is considering developing a new 500-seat theatre in the city.

At this month’s Art, Culture, Leisure, and Recreation SPC meeting, the local authority presented a preliminary report to councillors on the proposal and ongoing feasibility study.

DCC has commissioned a conceptual feasibility report to explore the demand for a new theatre that could facilitate a variety of art forms and performances.

Film producer Arthur Lappin has been appointed to the project team to provide expert advice on “venue design” and engage with the arts sector.

The team will examine the demand for a new 500-seat venue, what the impact it may have on existing Dublin venues, will it be cost-effective or profitable, and should the space be available for hire by outside groups.

Property advisors Turley has also completed a review of a number of existing development proposals across the city that have “identified a theatre or other similarly scaled venue typology as part of their cultural space proposals.”

These include the proposed new College Green development, the Guinness Quarter project, and the proposal to redevelop three dry docks in Ringsend for public use.

Arrow Architects has been appointed to design the project and has reviewed three similarly sized, multi-purpose venues in Europe for examples of design.

This included the Royal Danish Playhouse in Denmark, the Plassen Cultural Centre in Norway and the The Fire Station Auditorium in Sunderland, England.

Earlier this month, DCC Arts Office launched a survey to collect feedback from artists and promoters on the proposal.

However, Sunil Sharpe, DJ and founder of the Give Use the Night campaign said he was “disappointed” that dance venue advocates were not consulted.

“When this conversation started about a 500-seat venue, this was coming on the back of rapid loss of dance venues in the city,” he said.

“It is saying that it has liaised with all the relevant stakeholders, but it hasn’t liaised with all the stakeholders.

“I hear now today that the consultation is closed…. Has there been any consolation with our community, with club owners, with electronic music artists? I don’t think so, I haven’t heard anyone talk about this.”

Sharpe says there is “potential here to do everything within the same space or in a number of adjoining spaces.

“I do think there should be a little bit more consultation and I would have a big question as to why that stakeholder consultation is ending before we have any chance to give the feedback from our community.

“I’m very surprised at this and very disappointed. We need dance spaces as well, we need all purpose multi-use spaces, including for the use of music and not just stage shows, but we can do it all within the one space.”

Dublin City Council says further stakeholder interviews will take place to gain an insight into the wants and needs of the industry relating to the new venue.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed in June with design proposals presented to the council shortly after.