The Digital Hub: New Development Plan Launched By Land Development Agency

More than 500 residences are anticipated to be built on the Digital Hub Campus off Thomas Street in Dublin 8, according to a draft master plan released by the Land Development Agency (LDA)

By Jess Krieg

On its plans for the construction of the Digital Hub Campus, the LDA has launched a draft masterplan and subsequent place consultation process. Around 550 homes are part of the development known under the working title Pear Tree Crossing, a reference to a tree that is claimed to be the oldest fruit-bearing tree in Ireland.

The majority of the residences will be in brand-new apartment buildings, with a smaller number of homes on the top floors of old, historic structures, some of which will have Thomas Street frontage.

The consultation gives a general overview of the draft proposals for the area and how the LDA intends to carry out the vision for the regeneration of this special and distinctive 3.7-hectare site, led by affordable housing and including a vibrant array of commercial, cultural, and community facilities.

As part of the Government’s Housing for All agenda, the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) was identified for transfer to the LDA last year.

The LDA has a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of The Liberties and to transform this “currently underutilised area into a new, sustainable urban community with a distinctive identity” by presenting the proposals for the regeneration and phased redevelopment of the Digital Hub Campus.

The initiative will create several high-quality, reasonably priced homes while continuing to support businesses and the community.

The draft is being developed to provide an integrated strategy that respects the history of the location and its special relationship to the Dublin 8 neighbourhood. Existing businesses on site are permitted to remain until 2025.

The Watling plot, the St. Patrick’s Tower plot, the Vat House 7 plot, and the School Street plot are the four plots that will be created on the property. With a maximum building height of eight stories, the Watling plot is expected to have 110 residences, whereas the St. Patrick’s Tower plot is only likely to have roughly 60.

The School Street site will have 190 apartments, while the Vat house 7 property has been earmarked for 190 homes.

The Digital Hub was contacted by Dub 8 Magazine but failed to respond in time for publishing.