A new city library will form the centrepiece of Parnell Square Cultural Quarter development. The new library and the existing Hugh Lane Gallery will be connected by a civic plaza, creating a new cultural district for Dublin.
The project is intended to fulfil the City’s ambitions for a ‘civic spine’ connecting the capital’s key historic places.
Seed capital for the project is being provided by international real estate investment and services company, Kennedy Wilson on a philanthropic basis. The company, which has its main European office in Dublin, will also lead further required fund raising and assist in management of the development. Preliminary estimates for the full development cost are €60m (£51m).
Public consultation to explore how the cultural quarter can realise its potential for positive impact will begin shortly.
Lord mayor Naoise Ó Muirí said: “Parnell Square is the first and finest of Dublin’s Georgian Squares, the area has a rich and important history with philanthropic origins. This bold and visionary project can act as a catalyst for regeneration across the city, drawing Dubliners and visitors of all ages in new directions and creating new business opportunities. We will be drawing on the energy of local stakeholders to achieve this ambition. The communities, local employers and cultural and public institutions in the district can all play a part in making Dublin’s north Georgian district great again with safer streets, great public spaces and a thriving culture of learning, creativity and business.”
Dublin city architect Ali Grehan said: “The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter will be at the heart of the cultural life of the capital, connecting and consolidating the Civic Spine which is a cornerstone of city development policy.”
The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project will see the development of a new city library on the site of Colaiste Mhuire, the re-development of the former Colaiste Mhuire buildings to form the entrance to the new library and the provision of public rooms for a variety of cultural uses, including music, media, craft and design. 20-21 Parnell Square will also form part of the cultural complex and a pedestrian plaza at the north end of Parnell Square will create new public events space in front of the cultural buildings.
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