New plan aims to revamp the heart of Phibsborough

A NEW planning application designed to regenerate the heart of Phibsborough has been lodged with Dublin City Council.

The €50 million proposal for Phibsborough Shopping Centre includes provision for a 340-bed student accommodation on the site as well as part demolition of existing structures and construction of an extension to the centre.

Some existing retail space will be upgraded and a civic plaza with access to the new Dalymount Park is included in the plans.

The student accommodation will be in a new extension to the shopping centre set out in two blocks around landscaped courtyards.

The blocks will range in height from four to six storeys over a split level ground floor, with part overhanging the existing centre onto Phibsborough Road.

Some existing retail space will be redeveloped under the proposals and there will be new retail and commercial space provided. The existing Tesco supermarket, off license and Eddie Rockets are excluded from the proposals.

MM Capital who acquired the site are behind the proposals. Managing Director, Peter Leonard, said the plans would create a vibrant public space and civic plaza for the local community.

“We have worked closely and listened to the needs of the local community, and believe we have a high-quality design and a totally committed team to deliver our vision for Phibsborough,” he added.

Bohemian FC welcomed the planning application.

“The plans pave the way for access to Dalymount from Phibsborough Road, something that has been sorely lacking since the shopping centre was constructed in the mid-1960s,” a club spokesperson said.

“Such access is an integral part of Council plans to redevelop Dalymount, not only as a football stadium, but also as a community facility at the very heart of Phibsborough.

“We strongly favour a concurrent and total redevelopment of the Dalymount Park and Phibsborough Shopping Centre sites with maximum integration between the two.

“This would minimise the club’s time away from Dalymount Park and also lessen the disruption to our neighbours and the local community. It would also maximise the economies of scale potential, which could be lost with a phased approach.”

MM Capital say the proposed development can be delivered over a 24-month timeframe.