100 metre tower, 100,000sq ft shopping centre, Point Depot revamp and more...

eirebhoy

€700m plan to create cultural centrepiece at docklands site

A €700M docklands development has been unveiled for lands around Dublin's Point Theatre.

The signature building of the project is a 100-metre high landmark tower, mirroring the new U2 tower across the Liffey. The two will, it is said, combine to give Dublin Bay a distinctive maritime gateway. Hailed as a state-of-the-art project, The Point Village, spearheaded by millionaire businessman Harry Crosbie, would include a four-star hotel, Luas terminal and a revamp of the Point Theatre, creating over 1,500 jobs for the area.

Plans are said to be advanced, although planning permission for the 12-acre site has not yet been sought from local authorities.

The developers say that, subject to planning, works are to begin after Christmas. It is expected the first phase will be open in under two years.

Trevor Bowen, non-executive director of the Point Village and director of the U2 management company, said the plans were the fruition of many years' work. The development, to encompass the Point carpark, the old Shell filling station and the former Tedcastle warehouse, will include 'own door' office space, apartments, extensive underground car parking and a 100,000 sq ft shopping centre.

Also set for inclusion is a 12-screen multiplex cinema, a 220-bed four-star hotel and a 2,500-capacity music venue, Vicar Street 2. The Point itself is to be upgraded and its capacity enlarged, with curved, banked seating installed. The shopping mall will include bars, restaurants and a three-storey carpark. The Luas station, six Quality Bus Corridors and the proposed Macken Street bridge over the Liffey will help provide access.

Developers are claiming that the plan, along with the proposed redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre and the National Conference Centre, would see the North Wall becoming the country's largest cultural and tourist draw.

They hope the retail and social possibilities will draw punters from along the coastal belt and the docklands. Michael Tallon of project leaders Scott Tallon Walker said the Point Tower, along with the U2 Tower, would give Dublin "an instantly recognisable vista". Harry Crosbie is currently on holidays in France and was unavailable for comment yesterday. His spokesman said the 100-metre Point Tower would be the highest building in the development. It was "not an exaggeration" to say the development was at an advanced stage and the time scale was "not unrealistic".

Mr Crosbie has spent almost a decade assembling the 10-acre site, which has already been zoned for a shopping centre. It is right beside the East Link Bridge and is thought to be valued at between €120m and €150m.

Nicola Anderson

Artists impression of the development attached.

Dub13

I know the area well...this is what it needs.