Construction on 1,044 homes is due to commence at the former O'Devaney Gardens site in Dublin 7 this month.
The development, which is being undertaken by Dublin City Council and Bartra Capital, is set to deliver a mix of social, affordable and private homes.
In addition to the A-rated homes, the Stoneybatter development will comprise of two new parks, dedicated cultural and community spaces, shops a café and a créche.
Some 379 homes as well as a park, créche and retail units in the northern area of the site, adjacent to Thor Place and Ashford Street, will be built during the first of four phases, the council and Bartra confirmed on Friday.
The parties described said the project would be "one of Europe's most sustainable developments" and that it had been designed to "foster community spirit, enhance resident wellness, and provide a sustainable lifestyle."
In Association with
The announcement comes more than three years after the site was transferred to Bartra, the investment management vehicle founded by property developer Richard Barrett.
Bartra pulled out of approved plans to develop 800 homes and instead applied to develop 1,044 homes in August 2020. An Bord Pleanála approved the new plans the following September, but banned the sale of 524 homes to institutional investors.
The ban would have essentially obliged Bartra to sell half the homes to individual buyers or the state for social housing, but the group successfully overturned it.
Bartra and councillors later agreed that 20% of homes would be sold to the council for social housing, 30% would be put aside for affordable purchase housing, and 30% would be sold to an approved housing body.
The remaining 20% could be sold for private dwellings, but the deal brokered by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, and Green Party councillors was then challenged by Sinn Féin, Social Democrats and some independents.
“As we know, the delivery of housing has become an issue of national importance and getting projects to site and maintaining momentum is key to managing the ongoing housing situation," said Cóilín O'Reilly, assistant chief executive of Dublin City Council.
"These 1,044 A-rated social, affordable, and private homes, as part of what will be one of Europe’s most sustainable residential developments, will play a key role in Dublin City Council meeting Housing For All targets.”
The council and Bartra said they would engage with all community stakeholders, particularly the residents of adjoining neighbourhoods, and that a local area consultative forum would be reestablished.
Residents will be represented by established residents' associations, all of which will be invited to take part in the forum along with Dublin City Council, Bartra, the contractor and local councillors.
The site is located close to Phoenix Park and 3km from O'Connell Street. Residents will also have access to hybrid and electric vehicles as part of a 'car sharing club'.
“At Bartra we are delighted to partner with Dublin City Council to deliver 1,044 badly needed, A-rated homes at the former O’Devaney Gardens site," said Mike Flannery, CEO of Bartra.
"The site is ideally located with a vast array of amenities from the Phoenix Park to the city centre, all within a 15-minute walk or cycle.”
Around 56 social homes were completed at O'Devaney Gardens last year.
Photo: (l-r) Then-Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien on a site visit to O’Devaney Gardens last July. (Pic: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie)
