[dropcap]The[/dropcap] construction of apartments for over 340 students has been confirmed in Phibsborough as part of the €50 million redevelopment of the 1960s shopping centre.
Dublin City Council approved the scheme earlier this month which involves a threefold increase in the amount of retail space and the creation of 341 beds for students.
The announcement was welcomed by DCU’s Students’ Union as the demand for third-level places continues to rise in the capital.
The student accommodation will be in two blocks and range in height from four to six storeys, partly overhanging the existing centre facing onto Phibsborough Road.
Plans to rejuvenate the heart of the area on Dublin’s northside will not include the demolition of the eight-story tower, often named as one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin.
The developers proposed an upgrading of the tower rather than its demolition as they do not own two of the businesses underneath it, a Tesco and Eddie Rockets restaurant.
Phizzfest, the local community and arts festival, broadly welcome the development of the shopping centre but aim to appeal the developer’s plans to clad the tower with expanded metal mesh.
Founding member of Phizzfest, Marian Fitzpatrick said they do not have an issue with the student accommodation in the shopping centre but they do have a “major issue” with the amount of student accommodation in Dublin 7.
Speaking to The College View about the developments, Green Party councillor Ciarán Cuffe said more student accommodation is needed in the city but is working to ensure that there isn’t an “over-concentration of transient residents in any one area.”
“Several residents have expressed concern about too many students being placed into existing residential areas,” said Cuffe.
Around 7,500 new beds are set to be delivered in the coming years in what is a mini-building boom for purpose-built student accommodation in Dublin.
Shauna Coen
Image Credit: Extra