Ronan Group gets green light for docklands commercial plans

The company owned by property developer Johnny Ronan has been granted planning permission by Dublin City Council for the commercial element of their Waterfront-South Central in Dublin’s North Docklands.

The permission will see the construction of a major commercial development spanning an area between North Wall Quay and Mayor Street Upper, consisting of 66,718 sqm of office space overlooking the River Liffey.

The development will consist of four blocks ranging in height from 5-storeys to 9-storeys and is expected to commence construction in 2022.

The commercial element forms one part of the wider Waterfront-South Central scheme, where Ronan Group hopes to develop over 1,000 homes in what will be a landmark, integrated development creating the greenest city quarter in Ireland.

Back in May, An Bord Pleanala rejected plans for two high-rise towers on the site consisting of 45 and 41 storeys, as well as a third 14 storey block, with over 1,000 apartments in total being planned for the site.

The Waterfront-South Cetral project is situated adjacent to The Point Stop along the Luas Red Line, where there are plans for a route extension to Ringsend.

Dart and commuter line connections are available nearby at Docklands and Connolly Stations as well as unmatched Dublin Bus, cycling and pedestrian access across Dublin’s CBD.

With an emphasis on sustainability, the buildings will have an LEED Platinum rating and there will be 570 bicycle parking spaces available at the scheme in addition to a new western pedestrian walkway linking Castleforbes Road with North Wall Quay.

Other notable features include a number of external terraces; a roof level terrace; retail spaces and a gallery/exhibition space.

Welcoming the decision, Rory Williams, CEO at Ronan Group, said: “This exciting commercial project will see the development of some of the most enviable office spaces in Dublin city. When complete, workers at the development will have access to unrivalled sustainable transport connections including Luas, DART, Dublin Bus and cycleways. This best-in-class development will also feature outstanding amenities, including roof-terraces and an exhibition space which will be open to its future employees and the wider community. Ronan Group has a vision for modern living and working spaces that are built to meet and exceed the demands of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking occupiers, and with this in mind we believe Waterfront ~South Central~ will lead the way in responding to Dublin’s future needs.”

Ronan Group is currently developing the new Salesforce Tower at Spencer Place, Dublin 1.

The company is also on site on the new Facebook EMEA HQ at Fibonacci Square, Ballsbridge which will be home to more than 8,000 employees. Together with NAMA, Lioncor and Oaktree Capital Management, Ronan Group intends to develop the Glass Bottle site in Ringsend, Dublin 4, with the potential to deliver up to 3,800 residential units (including 25% social and affordable) and 1 million sq. ft. of commercial space, with extensive community open spaces.