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Dublin's Grafton Street Set to Host 38-Storey Mixed-Use Tower

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. treet-set-to-host-38-storey-mixed-use-tower.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 22:58 GMT by Irish Examiner

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A New Urban Vision Takes Shape in Dublin’s Inner City

In a striking development that promises to reshape Dublin’s skyline, a consortium of Irish and international investors has secured planning permission for a mixed‑use tower on the corner of Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green. The project, unveiled by developer Larkin & Sons in partnership with German real‑estate giant HBB Group, will deliver 250 residential apartments, 3,500 square metres of office space, and a boutique retail podium that will anchor the area’s burgeoning commercial corridor.

The news came from the Irish Examiner’s “Development & Construction” desk, which followed a flurry of official documents, a series of public consultations, and the developer’s own press release. By tracking links embedded in the original article, the article’s author pieced together a detailed picture of the project’s scope, its place within the city’s broader regeneration strategy, and the concerns and hopes of the community.

1. The Project at a Glance

• Location – The site sits on the eastern fringe of Dublin’s Golden Mile, a stretch that includes the famous Grafton Street, Merrion Row, and St. Stephen’s Green. The developer’s proposal occupies a 4,500 square metre block that will replace a derelict warehouse complex and a two‑storey commercial shopfront that has been vacant for five years.
• Scale – A 38‑storey tower (approximately 125 m) will dominate the cityscape. The building will include 200 luxury apartments and 50 smaller units earmarked for students and young professionals. The podium will feature a 6‑level retail precinct with a flagship store, a cinema, and a 300‑seat restaurant. Office space will occupy floors 15–30, targeting tech start‑ups and professional services.
• Construction – The developer has awarded the construction contract to Laing O’Rourke, who will build the tower using a pre‑cast concrete system to speed up the timeline and minimise onsite disruption. The construction phase is slated to begin in September 2025 and wrap up in late 2027.

2. Planning & Regulatory Context

The Irish Examiner article linked directly to the Dublin City Council’s “Planning Application – PA2024‑0035” filing. The application documents lay out the developer’s proposed design, environmental impact assessment (EIA), traffic study, and a mitigation plan. The council’s 21‑page “Decision Memorandum” (available on the council’s website) confirms that the proposal satisfies the “Dublin City Development Plan” requirements for high‑density, mixed‑use developments in the city centre.

Key points from the council’s decision:

• Heritage Protection – The developer is required to preserve the façade of the remaining warehouse block and to integrate a heritage wall into the building’s design. The design team has already secured heritage clearance from the National Monuments Service.
• Public Transport Integration – The tower will include a dedicated drop‑off zone for buses and a 100‑spot bicycle storage facility. The developer will fund a “Transit‑First” incentive to improve nearby bus stops.
• Green Building Standards – The construction must meet BREEAM “Excellent” and the Irish State’s “Green Building Programme” requirements. The building will feature a photovoltaic roof, rainwater harvesting, and an advanced heat‑pump system.

3. The Community Perspective

The article’s author visited two online comment threads: one on the Irish Examiner’s own comment section and another on a dedicated Facebook group for the Grafton Street neighbourhood. These voices revealed a spectrum of reactions.

• Support – Many residents welcomed the opportunity to bring new jobs, a surge in local retail activity, and the prospect of affordable housing. A local café owner quoted in the article said, “We’ve been waiting for a modern development that brings people to the street. This tower could really lift the area’s profile.”
• Concerns – Some commenters voiced worries about increased traffic congestion, loss of historic street character, and the “over‑built” look of a 38‑storey tower. A resident whose family owns the adjacent derelict warehouse noted that “the tower will cast a shadow on St. Stephen’s Green and reduce the park’s openness.”

To contextualise these concerns, the article referenced an independent study by the “Urban Planning Institute of Ireland” (UPI). The UPI’s report, accessible via the linked PDF, projects a 12‑per‑cent rise in local traffic volumes during peak hours. It recommends the developer invest in an “e‑mobility” corridor and upgrade the adjacent pedestrian walkways.

4. Economic Impact

The developer’s press release, quoted verbatim in the article, highlights the economic upside:

• Job Creation – Roughly 300 construction jobs during the build phase, and 100 permanent jobs (retail, hospitality, and office) upon completion.
• Affordable Housing – The developer has committed to allocating 30% of the residential units to “market‑rate” housing and 10% to “social housing” in partnership with the Dublin City Council’s “Housing for All” program.
• Local Supply Chain – The developer will source 40% of construction materials from local suppliers, including cement from Dálta Cement and timber from the Irish Timber Association.

The Irish Examiner article also highlighted that the project aligns with the Irish Government’s “Housing 2025” policy, which sets a target of 100,000 new homes by 2025. By adding 250 apartments, the project contributes to this goal while also addressing the “second‑tier” housing demand in Dublin’s central area.

5. Design & Sustainability Features

The design team, led by renowned architect Liam O’Neill, has drawn inspiration from the “Skylon” sculpture that once stood on the site. The tower’s façade will feature a series of glass louvers that mimic the sculpture’s sweeping curves, providing dynamic shading while creating a distinctive visual landmark.

Sustainability measures are front and centre:

• Energy – A 500 kW solar array on the roof and a geothermal heat‑exchange system are slated to cover 35% of the building’s energy needs.
• Water – A rainwater harvesting system will supply 30% of the building’s greywater usage.
• Carbon Footprint – The developer claims a net‑zero carbon footprint by 2030, achieved through a combination of high‑efficiency HVAC, waste‑to‑energy solutions on site, and an offset scheme that purchases carbon credits from Irish forest projects.

The article linked to a visual walkthrough of the design by the developer’s internal team, showcasing the integrated green roof and the pedestrian plaza that will connect the tower to St. Stephen’s Green.

6. Timeline & Next Steps

According to the article, the council’s planning decision, issued on 15 March 2025, grants a 12‑month development period, subject to the submission of an “Updated EIA” by September 2025. The developer has announced a formal start of works in September 2025, contingent on finalising the construction contract and obtaining full financial closure.

The Irish Examiner’s report also notes that the project will undergo a “Design Review” with the Dublin City Council in June 2025 to ensure compliance with the latest building codes, especially the new “Urban Green Spaces” directive.

Conclusion

The Grafton Street tower project, as presented in the Irish Examiner’s detailed coverage, is more than a tall structure; it is a symbol of Dublin’s ambition to balance historic charm with modern living demands. While the debate over traffic, heritage, and community impact continues, the development’s commitment to sustainability, affordable housing, and economic stimulus suggests it could become a benchmark for future high‑density projects across the city.

With a solid regulatory footing, a well‑defined community engagement plan, and a robust economic package, the tower’s construction promises to bring new life to a once‑derelict corner of Dublin. Whether it will stand as an iconic landmark or simply become another addition to the city’s ever‑evolving skyline remains to be seen. For now, the Irish Examiner’s meticulous reporting gives residents and stakeholders a clear view of what lies ahead, underlining the importance of transparent, well‑documented development processes in shaping Ireland’s urban future.