Green light for O’Connell Street aparthotel alongside Clerys
A 44-unit aparthotel development, housed within a historic protected structure alongside Clerys on O’Connell Street, has been granted planning permission by Dublin City Council (DCC), subject to a number of conditions.
The protected structures at 14-17 O’Connell Street currently house Subway and Circle-K, along with restaurants Encha and Zambrero on the ground floor. The upper four storeys are vacant offices.
The proposal, from a firm called D1 Collection Limited, would change the existing use of part of the ground floor to a reception and coffee shop, replacing Encha. Aparthotel units are proposed for the remaining storeys.
An aparthotel is a tourist-oriented development which consists of small, apartment-like units with alterations to make them appropriate for short-term use – such as featuring kitchenettes instead of full kitchens.
Of the 44 units, 32 will have double bedrooms, with nine twin bedrooms and three universally accessible units.
Externally, a number of “minimal, reversible and heritage-led interventions” will take place, according to an architectural design statement accompanying the application.
All existing windows would also be retained and repaired where possible, with original timber sashes also refurbished, repainted and sealed “in accordance with best conservation practice.”
"These external works will not only improve the physical condition of the structures, but also reinforce their role within the historic city core and contribute positively to the renewal of the O’Connell Street Lower streetscape,” the design statement reads.
Another alteration was to be the installation of an LED lighting scheme for the facade, however DCC planners said this should be revised to include more diffuse lighting, and bulbs with a ‘warm colour tone’, better suited for a protected structure.
DCC said the proposed lighting scheme, shown above, should include more diffuse lighting and warmer tones
They also wanted to see the halo-lit signage on its facade replaced with a passively-lit or backlit option, “in order to protect the original fabric, character and integrity” of the building.
The design statement also notes the nearby sustainable travel modes, citing the Luas lines, bus routes, and walkable surroundings.
"This context reinforces the site’s suitability for a city-centre aparthotel development, oriented toward walkability and public transit access,” it reads.
In line with this thinking, the development provides no car parking, but has space for eight bikes to be stored in the rear laneway for staff.
The project can now proceed to construction, but DCC said works should only take place between the hours of 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am and 2pm on Saturdays.