Google seeks tenants for new urban quarter at Boland's Mills

Google Ireland is looking for a marketplace operator and retail tenants for its new Boland's Mills development, which will bring shops, restaurants, a cultural space and market place to the heart of Dublin's Grand Canal Dock.

The US-headquartered tech giant’s plan for Boland's Mills forms part of its wider efforts to forge stronger links with the broader community. Google acquired the three landmark buildings, then known as Bolands Quay, in 2018 in a deal worth about €300 million. The redeveloped space, which will have 10 buildings, is due to open in 2023 and will comprise more than 37,000sq m (400,000sq ft) of regenerated mixed-use space, built around the historic 19th century Boland's flour mill.

The development will include about 28,000sq m (301,389sq ft) of office space, 46 apartments, cafes and cultural space. Boland's Mills will also include 3,700sq m (40,000sq ft) of publicly accessible mixed-use space, with retail, recreation and dining, and a dedicated 465sq m (5,000sq ft) community and cultural space.

In preparation for this, Google Ireland has engaged CBRE to secure tenants for 10 units, one of which will be a cultural space, at the scheme.

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‘New energy’

Bernadine Hogan, head of retail with CBRE Ireland, says the focus is on attracting a diverse mix of retailers and experiences that will bring what she describes as a "new energy" to the space.

“This is the ideal platform for independent or specialist food, leisure and service-led occupiers to grow their businesses and connect with a large audience. We are looking to create a real destination which will be boosted by the ease of access, connectivity and character of this location,” she said.

Inspired by other markets, such as the English Market in Cork city, and Spitalfields in London, the redevelopment is to include a market hall in the ground floor of the old mills, offering the opportunity for a marketplace operator to curate a mix of food stalls, traders and producers.

Jennifer Kelly, global vice president of real estate and workplace services with Google, said that the inclusion of community, cultural, retail and food spaces at the scheme will allow Boland's Mills to play "a key role in the social and commercial life of the area".