Plans for the first homes on the site of the Digital Hub campus in Dublin 8 are expected to be submitted by the Land Development Agency (LDA) to Dublin City Council next year.
The LDA on Wednesday began initial consultation on the redevelopment of the 3.72-hectare site off Thomas Street in the Liberties for hundreds of “mixed tenure affordable homes” as well as commercial, cultural and community facilities.
The scheme, the LDA is calling Pear Tree Crossing in reference to a tree on the site said to be the oldest fruit bearing tree in Ireland, will involve the reuse and adaption of several heritage buildings as well as the construction of new apartments.
The Government last April announced the closure of the Digital Hub. However, late last year the Digital Hub Development Agency agreed a deal with the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment to allow the agency to offer leases to new and existing companies up until 2025, after which construction of housing is set to begin.
Masterplan
The exact numbers of homes planned and the division of the lands between different uses has not been determined, the LDA said, but would be detailed in a masterplan to be published later this year.
“The Masterplan is being developed to ensure an integrated approach that respects the site’s heritage, and its unique connection to the local community,” the LDA said.
“The project will create affordable homes that will deliver a high quality of life, whilst also continuing to support enterprise. This will all be done in a way that will deliver enhanced greening opportunities and biodiversity, and a walkable neighbourhood, opening new linkage points with Dublin 8.”
The LDA said it was particularly keen to hear the views of those currently working and living on the site and in the local area, and consultation documents are available.
“These lands provide an exceptional opportunity for the LDA to contribute to the development of The Liberties and to transform this currently underutilised area into a new, sustainable urban community with a distinctive identity,” it said.
“The Liberties is an area facing major change and the lands for this masterplan sit at the centre of this. These lands can be a catalyst for the sustainable regeneration of this historic part of the city.”
Construction is expected to take place in phases until 2030.
