Union Investment has commenced the €70m redevelopment of 4/5 Grand Canal Square, the former Dublin headquarters of Meta.
Walls won the tender to complete construction, commencing this week, and Lafferty will manage the redevelopment, and the scheme is targeted for completion in early 2027.
Union Investment said that 250,000 square feet of "premium, sustainability-led workspace" will be developed over the next 18 months, with two prominent receptions located at Grand Canal Square and Cardiff Lane.
Approximately 12.5% of the building will be dedicated to services including a business lounge, ground floor café with external seating, flexible workspace, a private gym and wellness suite, and a communal roof terrace with panoramic waterfront views.
There will also be a seven-storey glazed atrium, incorporating a Town Hall and ‘Collaboration Street’ to support flexible, collaborative working.
The development is targeting a BER of A3 as well as LEED Platinum, SmartScore Enabled and WiredScore Platinum accreditations.
Union claims the development will have 80% lower carbon emissions than a comparable new build and will run on 100% wind power.
Amenities will also include a dedicated bike entrance, secure bike storage, changing rooms, shower facilities, and basement car parking.
“4/5 Grand Canal Square is one of Dublin’s most prominent office buildings and this refurbishment represents a significant investment in the future of the city’s business district," said Seb Wilson, asset manager at Union Investment.
"By retaining the existing structure, and reimagining it to the very highest sustainability standards, we are setting a new benchmark for low-carbon development in Dublin.
"With its exceptional location, premium amenity offering, and best-in-class environmental credentials, we believe 4/5 Grand Canal Square will be one of the most attractive workplaces in Europe when it completes in 2027.”
Historically, Dublin has carried between 3-4.5 million sq ft of new office development at any one time. By mid-2026, this is forecast to fall below 500,000 sq ft, and 4/5 Grand Canal Square is the only speculative new office scheme targeting delivery in 2027.
Savills and Cushman & Wakefield have been appointed as joint letting agents.
(Pic: Supplied)
