Academy revamp may inspire TCD to clean up Pearse Street

In the same week as the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Dublin's own Academy - the run-down picture house on Pearse Street - is to be brought back to life. The owners, Ward Anderson, which has allowed it to deteriorate for over a decade, have finally agreed to restore its facade and some of the original ceilings when it redevelops it as an office scheme. The company is to lodge planning permission tomorrow for 70,000 sq ft of offices.

The Academy had its heyday in the 1930s when it played host to many international stars including John Count McCormack. When it is complete, Trinity College may well end up adding the building to its extensive portfolio of Pearse Street properties. The college could do more to enliven the street.

Surely in this Millennium year, it could should clean up the old buildings it owns on both Pearse Street and Westland Row. Hopefully, the Academy development will prompt Trinity - and other landlords on the street - to bring a little more life and colour into what is one of the most depressing thoroughfares in the inner city.