The Dublin firm of Tracey Solicitors is to expand its practice and relocate to high-profile offices at Trinity Street, D2.
Tracey, which is based at the former EBS building on Westmoreland Street and in a second office on Clarendon Street, will shortly move to the top three floors of a newly redeveloped block at the junction of Trinity and St Andrew streets.
The legal practice is understood to have agreed an initial rent of about €300,000 per annum – equating to about €505/sq m (€47/sq ft) for 573sq m (6,157sq ft) on the three levels, including a newly built top floor that features a balcony with superb views over much of the city.
The high-quality office facilities attracted a range of inquiries when offered to let through Ben Pearson of Agar commercial property consultants. The successful tenant was advised by Keith O'Neill of BNP Paribas Real Estate.
The building originally served as a showroom for the Department of Environment. When the department’s lease ran out it was acquired by property developer Francis Rhatigan for about €3.5 million. He subsequently received planning permission to introduce radical changes, including the creation of 610sq m (6,566sq ft) of retail space at ground basement and first floor levels. This was subsequently let to Cotswolds, a UK specialist in outdoor clothing, at an initial rent of €275,000 per annum.
Mr Rhatigan also went to considerable expense to add a penthouse floor with an outdoor balcony.
Pedestrian traffic along Trinity and St Andrew street has grown significantly since H&M opened a new store in the former Northern Bank premises next to St Andrew Street Post Office. Visitor numbers are expected to receive a further boost when St Andrew’s Church on Suffolk Street is converted for use as a dining facility.
