Viewing tower and café among ideas for old Central Bank

Central Bank on Dublin’s Dame Street. (Photo: Damien Eagers)

Ryan Nugent

April 28 2017 10:20 AM

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• Viewing tower and café among ideas for old Central Bank

  Independent.ie

  A VIEWING area over the city is among the ideas proposed for the redevelopment of the landmark former Central Bank building on Dame Street.

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A VIEWING area over the city is among the ideas proposed for the redevelopment of the landmark former Central Bank building on Dame Street.

The new owners are set to meet local authority representatives in the next fortnight to unveil detailed plans.

The building was sold in January to Hines Ireland, following the Central Bank’s relocation to new docklands premises. Its new HQ, which is located on North Wall Quay, was officially opened this week.

However, the old premises, which were sold for around €67m to the Hines and Peterson Group, are expected to undergo a number of enhancements.

It is understood that the removal of surrounding fencing is also on the table, making the area between Dame Street and Temple Bar more pedestrian friendly.

Other enhancements could include a restaurant and cafe in what would be a multi-use building.

Preliminary plans are due to be unveiled when Dublin city councillors are invited into the building by Hines.

Councillors were sent written invitations and were told they would be given a tour of the tower block. No official confirmation has been provided the company.

“We fully appreciate the strategic and architectural significance of the site,” the letter said.

Local representative Mannix Flynn said the development of a viewing tower would prove popular.

“This is a very appropriate development and it’s very good that there will be a multi-purpose use,” he said.

“It should become like a destination point.”

A spokesperson for Hines said: “Since the acquisition, Hines and Peterson Group have been exploring opportunities for the long-term enhancement of the Dame Street site and have been engaging with local stakeholders.”

Herald