RESIDENTS, community groups and sporting clubs in Dublin 8 attended two special Open Days detailing the proposed regeneration of the former Player Wills and Bailey Gibson sites on the South Circular Road last week.
Hines Ireland acquired the adjoining properties at the beginning of the year.
Since then a project team has been drafting a vision for the regeneration of a consolidated development, which includes the creation of a transformative residential scheme for the area.
In announcing this new community initiative, Gary Corrigan, Managing Director with Hines Ireland, said: “We have been working very hard over the past six months to develop a new vision for the Player Wills and Bailey Gibson sites.
“We are keen to share the outline of that vision and to get the views of the local community and residents on what we see as the future for the sites.
“We recognise the importance of including our neighbours in this process and we are aware of the needs of the local community in Dublin 8, particularly regarding green spaces sporting facilities, shops and sustainable homes.
“We distributed invitations to everybody living locally as well as community groups and sporting clubs and of course anybody with an interest.”
Hines said the open days were designed to provide visitors with insight into planning application and delivery timelines for the development.
The Hines project team was also on site throughout both days to provide additional information and gather feedback from members of the public about the vision for the proposed regeneration of the site.
“The main purpose of both open days was to consult the public and to gather their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, which will then inform the creation of a detailed masterplan which will be the basis for any future proposal to redevelop the sites,” Mr Corrigan added.
The vision for the regeneration of the Player Wills and Bailey Gibson sites is based on Dublin City Council's Development Plan and the SDRA 12 Framework Plan.
Designers say both plans have established clear design guidelines, which will guide the creation of what is described as a residential-led urban quarter, and a new public park that will include a range of recreational and sporting facilities.
Once the masterplan and design schemes are finalised and approved, a planning application for the regeneration of the Player Wills and Bailey Gibson sites is likely to be submitted later this year.