A NEW vision document for Dublin One devised by top architects has been completed following a hectic five-day visit to the area by a design team from the renowned American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr, was presented with the final Reimagine Dublin One document, which is hoped will provide the community with a framework to improve the area.
The document recommends that the project starts small with low cost parklets or mini parks along Capel Street that will create a positive visual impact.
It also suggests an initial focus on improving alleys and laneways, as well as North Lotts Street, with low cost design interventions.
The design team believes Wolfe Tone Park could – and should – become a great public space, and recommends investment to enliven up that area and make it more welcoming.
The report also concludes that the Fruit and Vegetable Market has potential for incubating entrepreneurs and that Little Mary Street could become a destination in itself, as well as serving as a bridge to Smithfield.
The team believes a special agency is needed to work on a long-term strategy for Dublin One and a special district should be established to help focus investments in the area.
The vision document also recommends a long-term strategy to ‘humanise’ Henry Street and create a civic ‘living room’ through a series of planning ideas.
Joel Mills, Senior Director at AIA presented the document to the Lord Mayor on March 13 following a workshop at the Gresham Hotel.
Over 140 guests attended the workshop, during which the AIA received feedback from key stakeholders of the Dublin One area, including local residents and business members.
The AIA had teamed up with the Dublin City Architects’ Framework Project and DublinTown to create the Reimagine Dublin One vision for the central Northside district.
It’s the first time that the AIA’s design assistance team programme has conducted a project like this outside of North America.
Joel Mills of AIA said the Dublin One district has many assets to be proud of.
“The report we presented to the Lord Mayor, gives a comprehensive but high level look at opportunities to further enhance the district and considerations for future projects and initiatives,” he continued.
“It aims to provide a roadmap to address the aspirations of all the stakeholders.”
Lord Mayor Brendan Carr said he was delighted to receive the document on behalf of the citizens of Dublin.
“Dublin One is an area filled with history, character and people that make it very special,” he added.
“The findings and recommendations in this report will be helpful to city planners when considering the future of the area.”
City Architect with Dublin City Council Ali Grehan described working with the AIA team as “inspiring”.
“We heard a consistent story from the people who live and work in the area, which is that they have a vision and want it realised,” she said.
“We hope that the Reimagine Dublin One process will continue to meet expectations.”
Richard Guiney, CEO, DublinTown, said it’s been a great boost for Dublin One to be recognised by the American Institute of Architects.
“This report yields valuable inputs combining both innovative ideas and best international thinking,” he added.
“Dublin One is a key district in Dublin City Centre which has enormous potential to be a beacon of imaginative regeneration that is also sympathetic to its heritage.”
To see the document in full visit reimaginedublinone.ie.
