The Dublin Docklands underwent large-scale regeneration in the 1990s/2000s to become a modern business, commercial and educational hub which has witnessed the most significant area of growth and rejuvenation within Dublin
The Dublin Docklands comprises the IFSC and North Lotts located in North Wall Quay and Grand Canal Dock located at Sir John Rogersons Quay
The National College of Ireland, The Convention Centre Dublin, 3 Arena, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Spencer Dock Development and Grand Canal Square are all located within walking distance. Its often known as Silicon Docks, a hub of modern apartments, offices, on the redeveloped River Liffey waterfront. Many young working professionals can be seen heading to concerts at the Bord Gaís Energy Theatre and drinking cocktails on the terraces of upscale bars. There is now facilities for Kayaking and windsurfing. The collapse of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ saw the Cranes return to their birthplace (UK). Tools and Green helmets were ‘downed’. But now the building industry has re-emerged bringing back all its ‘traits’. Affordable housing?! Sigh. When it comes to selling property, the prices are breathtaking. Dock Mill – a warehouse on the water was bought two years ago for €1.3 million. Google bought it for 13 million Euros. Ten times the price . Google had previously bought a 15-storey building for more office room. That cost €99 million. Google paid €100 million for Gordon House and Gasworks House. Boland’s Mill, which sat there unused for years, is being redeveloped by Nama ( The National Asset Management agency) to the tune of €150 million. Nothing will slow down the insatiable appetite for office blocks. Nama is concerned about the lack of office space in Grand Canal Dock – not concerned enough to move itself out of the area to make room, mind you.
Recently I have shot new images of the impressive architecture in and around the surrounding areas of the GCQ which will be uploaded to ‘Dublin Modern’ on my website http://kelvinhudson.com/dublin-modern as well as on this blog soon . As you walk further away from the completed redeveloped Quay along the waters edge, new construction is evident with the remains of the historic legacy of what was once a thriving port, with boatbuilding, rope making, glass manufacturing , flour milling and gas production. Remnants of an enclosed harbour between the River Liffey and the Grand Canal. With the introduction of the railways in the mid 19th Century saw its decline. Rather than demolish this whole area I’d love to see what now remains spruced up so that the structure could be retained for everyone to witness in the way that Liverpool has .
