Apartments in new quarter south of Heuston

Dublin 8: from €380,000:The first homes at the €600 million Heuston South Quarter are being launched this week, writes Kate McMorrow

Heuston South Quarter - beside Heuston Station and overlooking the gardens of the Royal Hospital - launches from plans today. Seventy apartments are for sale in this new €600 million development by Rhatigan and the selling agent is Hooke & MacDonald.

When completed and up and running, this is expected to be a significant business location incorporating shops, offices, a four/five-star hotel, leisure centre, crèche and private homes. Ground work began last spring at the site and completion of the first 350 apartments is scheduled for early 2008.

Off-plans prices start at €380,000 for one-bedroom apartments of 46-52sq m (495-565sq ft). From €520,000 buys a two-bed apartment of 73-91sq m (785-985sq ft). Two-bedroom duplexes of 92sq m (990sq ft) cost from €560,000. Three-bed apartments of 85-120sq m (915-1,290sq ft) cost from €630,000. Developer Rhatigan and architects Anthony Reddy & Associates have designed a good quality specification at Heuston South Quarter, including a full concierge service. Most apartments will have en suites with two bedrooms. The units are mainly dual aspect and balconies will be provided in most cases. Communal roof terraces will also be provided.

Kitchens will include stone worktops and integrated appliances. Other standard finishes include hardwood floors and doors, composite timber and aluminium windows and glass balcony sides. Kitchens will come with tiled floors and splashbacks and a fridge-freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, fan oven, hob and extractor, and microwave oven, all integrated.

Floor and wall tiling will also be included in the bathrooms. Shower doors, heated towel rail, stone vanity top, downlighters and a mirrored vanity storage unit are also part of the package. Outside, landscaped courtyards will have water features, seating areas and good planting. Walkways and courtyards will be lit. Underground car-parking is available at an additional cost of €35,000.

Also planned for the site are a leisure centre with swimming pool, hotel and conference centre, childcare facilities and shops, cafés and offices. A major renaissance is planned for the area around Heuston Station, which will have a live/work balance. Eircom is moving to a new headquarters in the area and the Irish Museum of Modern Art is relocating here. A landmark feature of Heuston South Quarter will be a sweeping glass corner facade facing a one-acre civic square. Plans can be viewed at the offices of Hooke & MacDonald on Lower Baggot Street.