USUALLY builders go high-rise when trying to maximise the potential of a site, but in the case of a site at Hyde Road in Dalkey the locally-based father and son team went down under.

A 184sq m (1,990sq ft) plot at Hyde Road and to the rear of 1, 2 and 2A Castle Street comes complete with full planning permission and architect drawings for a subterranean medical centre.

Selling agent Lisney is quoting €800,000 for the property and has agreed a sale below this level.

The developer had already built three shops with first floor apartments on the Castle Street end of the site.

A further six apartments had been developed on the Hyde Road end of the site.

A remaining plot was earmarked for open space, as required under planning permission. The developer, however, "got creative" explains Robert Lawson from Lisney.

Just because you can't go above doesn't mean you can't go underneath, he says.

The scheme, designed by Orla O'Callaghan Architects, will, if built, comprise a swish modern reception area on Hyde Road overlooking a landscaped area.

Glazed frames in the ground are designed to provide skylights for the 165sq m (1,776sq ft) medical centre underneath.

Four suites, a waiting area and staff facilities are included in the basement medical centre.

Who knows, maybe underground may be the new-high rise.