Since the announcement of the approval of a proposed revamp of St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, efforts have been put in place to preserve a symbolic architectural landmark of Dublin.
The proposed renovation of St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, which was approved by the Dublin City Council in December 2023, was met with reservations by the public. The €175 million project aimed at modernising the space structurally and aesthetically, and adding office spaces to the existing retail units. As pictures of the project were made public, many Dubliners expressed their disapproval of the revamp, as it would alter the aesthetics of the city by removing an architectural landmark that has made Dublin recognisable internationally. Nevertheless, the plan is currently stalled as an appeal against it was lodged.
DTDL ltd., controlled by Davy, first put forward the project to re-modernise St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in 2019. The ambitious renovation plan includes a drastic transformation of the shopping centre’s facade, removing the iconic dome and arched windows in favour of a more minimalistic yet modern exterior. The initial project also saw an increase in the overall dimensions of the spaces, bringing the shopping centre up to eight storeys. This increased size would be achieved through the addition of office spaces, a gallery, and a cinema. However, these additions would reduce the retail space of the shopping centre; in particular, the ‘kiosks’ would be replaced by ‘higher order’ retail units in the hope to generate more revenue. The project also included plans to make the shopping centre more accessible from St Stephen’s Green and King Street South.
Dublin City Council had reservations about this initial project due to the increased dimensions of the shopping centre, and only approved it when the scale was reduced - from eight to six storeys, but still maintaining the office spaces and the new facade.
First opened in 1988, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has become one of the most distinctive buildings in Dublin. When proposing redevelopment, DTDL ltd. acknowledged the symbolic importance of the shopping centre, yet argued that its facade and overall structure was “outdated”. As the shopping centre is not a Protected Structure, however, DTDL ltd. could proceed with submitting their redevelopment plans.
First opened in 1988, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has become one of the most distinctive buildings in Dublin.
Following the announcement of Dublin City Council’s approval of the project, a petition was launched to preserve St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre from renovation by making it a protected structure. As of 20th January, the petition has amassed over 11 thousand signatures. The petition echoes many disapproving sentiments citizens, journalists, and other public figures shared since the project was unveiled - mostly of how “bland” the new facade would look.
Following the announcement of Dublin City Council’s approval of the project, a petition was launched to preserve St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre from renovation by making it a protected structure.
You can find the petition on Instagram @savestephensgreen and at this address https://www.change.org/p/preserve-st-stephen-s-green-shopping-centre-from-redesign
Former Environment Editor at the Irish Times Frank McDonald lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála; importantly, he cited how the proposed plan would add more unnecessary office spaces instead of creating room for accommodation.
An Bord Pleanála confirmed the lodging of the appeal, thus bringing the project to a halt. A protest to further show opposition to the proposed redevelopment is going to take place on Sunday 11th February from 12pm in front of the shopping centre.