DCC approves Olympia changes after key features are removed

The proposed remodel of the 3Olympia Theatre’s façade on Dame Street has been given the go-ahead by Dublin City Council.

Olympia Productions Unlimited received permission for the revamp after it agreed to remove some of the key changes from its application.

The plans were filed five months after the Olympia Theatre was rebranded to the 3Olympia in an eight-year sponsorship deal.

Originally, Denis Desmond’s and Caroline Downey’s company proposed to install a large art deco arch that would feature a ‘3Oympia’ sign on each side as well as three LED advertising screens.

However, these features have now been omitted after the council raised concerns.

The council ordered the exclusion of the arch after its conservation office said that it had “serious concerns that the proposed art deco style arched metal feature is excessive”.

The applicant’s proposal to repaint the front from red to grey was also not agreed to by the council and full details on the final colour scheme are to be discussed with the local authority.

Olympia Productions Unlimited is to appoint a conservation expert to design, manage, monitor and implement the works.

Planning consultant for Olympia Productions, John Spain, told the council the revised proposals “will contribute to a high-quality development which will ensure the efficient re-use of a protected structure and add positively to the streetscape on Dame Street”.

Broadstone Architects, which drafted the plans for the applicant, said the “the mosaic floor will be protected during repair works to joinery, all in accordance with best conservation methodology.”

Instead of the LED screens, new “traditional style advertisement cabinets” will be installed to the existing pilasters.

Two individuals submitted observations objecting to the initial plans, with one claiming the proposal “will irreparably damage the distinct character of this historic building and contribute to the loss of the built heritage of Dublin city”.

The objector said that what was proposed was “bland and modern and not in keeping with the time in which the theatre was first developed

Another person said the proposed new colour “is a deeply unsympathetic treatment for our beloved Olympia”.

“Of course, any building can be any colour, but theatres are almost always red; and The Olympia has been red as long as I’ve known her,” they added.

“We are very lucky to have a building like The Olympia Theatre which incorporates the important red within and without.

“Please do not allow her vibrant red colour to be painted over. It is a deeply unsympathetic proposed colour treatment for our beloved Olympia.”