Centre for performing arts to be built in docklands

DocklandsDevelopment: The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is launching a marketing campaign today for a 2,000-seat centre for the performing arts to be located in Grand Canal Harbour in the docklands, writes Jack Fagan, Property Editor

Developers are to be invited to put forward proposals for providing the auditorium and other cultural facilities as part of a larger scheme which is also likely to include about 15,000 sq m (161,460 sq ft) of office and retail space. The entire development is likely to cost about €160 million.

The Department of Arts and Tourism and the Office of Public Works have been involved in detailed discussions with the DDDA about relocating the National Concert Hall to the Grand Canal Harbour.

It has long been accepted that there are significant drawbacks to the present National Concert Hall site which is shared with UCD. The hall also has limited space and backstage accommodation. Suggestions that the Abbey Theatre could also move there proved a non-runner after the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, expressed his opposition to any move from its present site.

The DDDA is committed to overseeing the building of "a major cultural building" on a site of 6,300 sq m (67,812 sq ft) overlooking an already completed piazza on one side and the harbour on the other. The venue may also be used as a theatre and a mid-sized venue for concerts.

Peter Coyne of the DDDA said yesterday that if the cultural building is operated by a "not-for-profit organisation" it could avail of a revenue subvention linked to local commercial leases which should yield about €400,000 per annum over a 20-year period.

The DDDA is looking for a building of "outstanding architectural quality that will prove to be a cultural landmark for the city as a whole". Part of the site now being made available was originally targeted for a six-storey office and retail block but it appears that the authority decided to combine it with the auditorium site in the hope of attracting developers.

The cultural centre and the office will adjoin Gallery Quay, an upmarket apartment development which sold out in record time. It is being built on a joint venture basis between a consortium and the DDDA. Grand Canal Harbour will eventually have about 1,200 apartments, 200,000 sq m (2,152,780 sq ft) of offices, a five-star hotel and bars, restaurants and shops. Park Developments and Sisk are currently building 294 apartments in the same area along with a crèche and 4,000 sq m (43, 055 sq ft) of offices and retail space.