Green light given for St Stephen's Green office campus

The Irish arm of US property giant, Kennedy Wilson (KW) has secured planning permission for a nine-storey “world-class mixed-use office-led campus” at St Stephen’s Green that will have the capacity to accommodate more than 3,000 office workers.

Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to KW Investment Funds ICAV for revisions to its office scheme that was granted planning permission at Stokes Place three years ago in January 2023.

At the time, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission to KW Investment Funds ICAV to demolish an existing office complex at Stokes Place facing onto St Stephen’s Green and Harcourt Street, and the construction of an eight-storey office block.

In the new scheme the Council has granted planning permission for the applicants to add a 9th floor to the scheme and architects for the proposal, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris - one of the largest architectural firms in the UK - stated that “as a landmark piece of architecture, the building is now ever more confident and singular, responding to our further understanding of the history of the locality”.

The new application adds 3,530 sq metres in office floorspace to bring to office space of 40,800 sq metres.

The Council has granted planning permission after KW Investments submitted revised drawings, and the Council planner’s report has concluded that, having regard to the nature and scale of the proposed development, the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area.

The Council planner’s report stated that, taking into account the revised drawings, “the reconsidered design allows for a more sympathetic transition and stepped approach to the existing adjoining buildings." 

The report stated that “this in turn has reduced the visual impact and generally allowed for a more sympathetic appearance of the new development when viewed from St Stephen’s Green South."

Planning consultant for KW, Stephen Little, stated that “through the acquisition of additional adjoining properties and changes in the office market in terms of environmental credentials, the opportunity presents itself to make further enhancements to the already permitted development at this location."

Mr Little said that “the ambition is to develop a world-class, mixed-use campus with a strong focus on office space, supported by outstanding architecture and carefully considered placemaking."

He said that “workplace design has evolved significantly over the past five years, influenced by a growing emphasis on wellness, energy and carbon efficiency, and the shift in work practices following Covid-19. The revised proposal offers a unique opportunity to establish a lasting landmark in Dublin—one that embodies these principles through four central themes.

He said that “the revised scheme aims to significantly enhance the placemaking experience by introducing new and improved pedestrian-oriented routes into the site, leading to vibrant public garden spaces at its heart."

He said that "the amended submission presents the opportunity to create an enduring landmark in Dublin city which will deliver on these goals."

In addition, nine of the existing Russell Court apartments are to be refurbished as part of the proposals to provide a residential component.

In response to the plans lodged last August, in a submission, BKD Architects, on behalf of the owners of 97 to 100 St Stephen’s Green, DTIL Ltd stated that “our client has several concerns with certain aspects of the proposed design, and the potential adverse impacts that will arise as a result of the development”.