Architects appointed for Dublin Central project

ARCHITECTS have been appointed to create a development vision for a new Dublin Central quarter in Dublin’s north inner city.

Dublin Central on the Carlton Cinema site stretches from Upper O’Connell Street to Parnell Street, Moore Street and Henry Street.

The area has unique heritage and connections with 1916, but at the same time is the heart of commercial and retail business on the Northside.

Dublin Central site owners Hammerson last week announced that architectural practice ACME will create the development vision for the new quarter.

ACME was founded in 2007 and has grown into an international practice with over 70 architects, working on 160 projects across the world.

Founding Director, Friedrich Ludewig, will lead work on the Dublin Central project. He’s worked with Hammerson on award-winning city centre schemes including Victoria Gate in Leeds, Westquay South in Southampton and Highcross in Leicester.

Friedrich studied at the Technical University and Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin before moving to London where he received his Diploma in Architecture with Distinction (Honours) from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in 2001. 

Between 2000 and 2007 he worked as Associate Director at Foreign Office Architects (London/Tokyo), where he was responsible for a wide range of projects including Umraniye Meydan Istanbul, Ravensbourne College and the BBC Music Centre in White City.

Simon Betty, Hammerson Director of Retail Ireland said: “Hammerson possesses a strong track-record in delivering important city-centre regeneration projects while working in partnership with key stakeholders.

“These include 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 that is fitting of this unique location and we believe that the right scheme can reinvigorate this part of the north inner city centre. 

“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 will work with the School of Architecture, DIT Bolton Street and engage with it on the project.

Business group, Dublin Chamber, welcomed news that ACME was named as architects and said redevelopment of the Carlton Cinema was key to realising O'Connell Street's potential as the jewel in the crown of Dublin city centre.

"The Carlton Cinema site has lain idle for far too long and has hamstrung plans to redevelop the wider O'Connell Street and Moore Street area,” said Dublin Chamber's Head of Public Affairs Graeme McQueen.

“The area is hugely historic and we look forward to seeing the vision that ACME dreams up.

“The creation of a new cultural quarter on O'Connell Street would help breathe new life into Dublin's north inner city, providing jobs and new amenities for locals and world-class public realm for both Dubliners and visitors alike.”