Latest news with #HenryJLyons
Irish Examiner
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Cork City's landmark Roches Stores building to be split into retail units under new plans
The first steps toward returning Cork City's former iconic Roches Stores building – later occupied by Debenhams – to full occupancy are underway. Planning permission is being sought to divide the main front section on St Patrick's Street into three ground-level units, including a large central retail space potentially for Zara or InterSport Elverys, the building's current owners. The planning submission, which includes a 24-page outline document by architects Henry J Lyons, preserves the historic façade and signature dome. This marks the first phase of redevelopment of the vast two-acre store on Cork's premier retail boulevard — seen as key to reducing the street's high vacancy rate. A second application for a mixed-use development — including residential, hotel, and additional retail in the rear section — is expected later this year. The move to seek planning permission for changes to the front entrance of the 1920s department store follows nearly a year of discussions with Spanish retailer Zara, which have since paused, according to John Staunton, director and co-owner of InterSport Elverys. "It's too important a building for Cork city centre to be left idle any longer," he said. The Mayo family-owned business, which operates online and across 46 stores nationwide, employing 700 people, purchased the property for €12m in May 2023. It had originally been listed at €20m after Debenhams, who leased the building, controversially ceased operations in Ireland in 2020. The site has deep roots in Cork retail history, dating back to William Roche's founding of Roches Stores in 1901. The site could return to thriving bricks-and-mortar retail use in time for its centenary. The original premises was destroyed in the December 1920 Burning of Cork, with the current nine-bay, three-storey, copper-dome-topped building opening in 1927, designed by renowned local architects Chillingworth and Levie. The site could return to thriving bricks-and-mortar retail use in time for its centenary. 'You'll never get a building with space like this again in a city centre,' noted owner Mr Staunton. Subject to a smooth planning process, trading could begin by Christmas 2025. Lease terms have already been agreed for a beauty and cosmetics store on the right-hand side, while InterSport Elverys will occupy the central area — 16,000 sq ft at ground level and 22,000 sq ft above, under a reduced atrium/dome area installed in the 1990s. 'There's a list as long as your arm' for the left-hand unit, Mr Staunton added. A fourth retailer will take space along the side elevation, with a dedicated entrance onto Maylor Street. The full redevelopment — potentially including a gym, retail, residential, or hotel use — will re-establish pedestrian links from Maylor Street to Merchants Quay Shopping Centre. Sources yesterday suggested Zara, which already operates at Mahon Point in Cork, may yet renew its interest. 'Anything is possible. Never say never,' Mr Staunton said, confirming that Elverys is prepared to occupy the main central unit as soon as planning is approved. Read More Cork GAA secures documents order in €96m Páirc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment case
Yomiuri Shimbun
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ireland Opens New Embassy Building in Japan; Visiting Irish Prime Minister Pledges Commitment to Bilateral Ties
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of Ireland House, the new Irish embassy building, was held in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Wednesday. Before cutting the ribbon together, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Hisayuki Fujii, state minister of foreign affairs, both made speeches expressing the two countries' commitment to further improving their bilateral relations. Also in attendance were Irish Ambassador to Japan Damien Cole and Princess Hisako of renewal of the Irish embassy was described by Martin as one of the 'flagship projects of the [Irish] government's global strategy' and a 'physical symbol of [Ireland's] long-term commitment to a deep bilateral relationship with Japan.' Acting as the Japanese government's representative at the ceremony, Fujii made his speech in both Japanese and English. He described Japan and Ireland as 'partners with shared ambitions.' Martin is in Japan for a four-day visit, having arrived on Tuesday. He met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, during which he said they 'reaffirmed our [two countries'] commitment to continue to take our relations and exchanges to a new, higher level over the next decade.' The commitment is based on the 2022 Joint Leader's Statement issued by Martin and then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Martin was set to visit the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Thursday and then travel to Hiroshima on Friday to mark 80 years since the city's atomic of cultures Ireland House Tokyo is a five-minute walk from JR Yotsuya Station and covers about 2,700 square meters. Its construction has been described as one of the largest single capital investments ever made overseas by the Irish government. The building's design was chosen through a competition run by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland in 2019, with the winning proposal coming from Dublin-based architecture firm Henry J Lyons. Under the theme 'Irish stone meets Japanese stone,' the building incorporates limestone from Kilkenny, Ireland, and granite from the Setouchi islands. Elements of both Irish caislean tower houses and traditional Japanese machiya townhouses have been interwoven to symbolize the expanding relationship between the two countries.
The Journal
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
This Irish embassy in Japan is the state's most expensive building constructed outside Ireland
IRELAND HOUSE IN Tokyo is the most expensive capital project the Irish government has undertaken outside the island of Ireland. The building, which will hold the new embassy, the ambassador's residence as well as the hubs for Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Bord Bia, was officially launched today by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. In 2017, the government decided to develop a new Ireland House in Japan to showcase and promote Ireland. At a cost of €20.5 million it is the most expensive building constructed outside the state. Though questions have been raised in the past about the cost, it is just three years since the Taoiseach turned the sod on the project and it has come in on budget. Advertisement Taoiseach turning the sod on the project three years ago. PA PA Batting away the criticisms about the cost in 2020, Brendan Rogers, the former deputy secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs, told the Business Post that money spent was fully justified. 'This will represent Ireland to the Japanese nation,' he said, stating that creating a good impression was extremely important when it came to doing business in Asia. Henry J Lyons, a Dublin architectural firm, won the design competition for the project five years ago. Peter McGovern, architect and director of the firm told The Journal that the project is about integrating the Irish tower house and the very traditional Japanese timber joinery in one contemporary fusion. Related Reads Over Guinness and Enya music, Martin talks trade, undersea cables and 'Bakebake' with Japanese PM Flogging beef tongue and Irish whiskey: Taoiseach and ministers travel to Japan in major trade push I Henry J Lyons Henry J Lyons 'Tokyo is a very particular kind of city, and it's quite different than Dublin. Context is less important in terms of the architectural language. So this building is really quite distinctive own identity,' he said. 'I think you've seen everybody who comes into the building, take an intake of breath. It is stunning. The light quality, the way the spaces flow, are all very positive. And I think that this is the way we should be presenting ourselves, particularly on foreign soils, as a confident nation, who have a real place in the world,' he added. Speaking today at Ireland House, the Taoiseach said the Irish government's decision to build Ireland House Tokyo is a very tangible sign of Ireland's commitment to the relationship with Japan. He said the building will 'serve as a platform for Team Ireland to continue their very valuable work here in Tokyo for decades to come.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Land Development Agency launches public consultation on 2,000 new homes in north Dublin
The State-owned Land Development Agency (LDA) has launched a public consultation and stakeholder engagement process on the proposed delivery of over 2,000 homes in north Dublin. The development at Clongriffin will be the biggest single State housing project in decades. The new homes will be made available as social, cost rental or affordable purchase. Advertisement Subject to planning approval, the proposed "Clongriffin Central" development will deliver new apartments and green spaces, in addition to retail outlets and new community facilities and amenities. A new vision document and website have been created by the LDA and the architectural firm Henry J Lyons, in consultation with Dublin City Council. Members of the public and stakeholders are invited to engage with the LDA's information campaign and to provide their feedback on the proposals. The newly published vision document outlines the LDA's plans for the development, which is located on the northern edge of Dublin 13, next to Clongriffin train station and existing retail facilities. The site was acquired by the LDA in late 2023. In March of this year, the LDA also acquired an adjacent site in Stapolin in Baldoyle with the potential to deliver a further 1,900 homes. Advertisement The two sites are located either side of the Dublin to Belfast railway line and provide an opportunity for the LDA to deliver an estimated total of over 4,000 homes. Construction work began on the first phase delivery of 408 apartments in Clongriffin Central in March this year. This development will include a new creche, public park and cultural spaces. Ireland Land Development Agency to deliver 320 cost-rental... Read More The new vision document includes proposals for the remainder of the site and the LDA intends to make further planning applications later this year. Feedback from the public consultation process will be carefully considered by the design team, the LDA said. Advertisement Phelim O'Neill, director of development at the LDA, said: 'I am delighted to see the launch of this vision document outlining the LDA's ambitious proposals for a sustainable community and affordable homes at Clongriffin. We have engaged architects Henry J Lyons to plan and design a new high quality and sustainable residential development with social and commercial amenities that will cater for existing residents, future residents and visitors. 'The LDA values the local community's engagement and feedback, and I am actively encouraging local residents, businesses and community groups to contribute to this important process as we strive to deliver a development that meets the needs of the area. The LDA will also continue to work with Dublin City Council on the project.'
The Journal
30-05-2025
- General
- The Journal
The 'cathedral of crap' and Trinity Campanile among 2025 contenders for Ireland's favourite building
CONTENDERS FOR IRELAND'S favourite architectural project of 2025 have been announced as voting opens to the public . The 36th annual Public Choice Award hosted by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), which has seen past winners include the Criminal Courts of Justice in 2010 and the Royal College of Surgeons premises at St. Stephen's Green, features 48 candidates this year. The prize is given to the building or public space that exhibits the most excellence in design and delivery of buildings. The Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, north Dublin is the current holder of the coveted prize, and it looks as though this year's competition is highly contested as the shortlist for 2025 has been announced. Here are ten of the 48 projects vying for the title. Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wicklow Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, otherwise known as the 'cathedral of crap' RIAI RIAI Warmly referred to as a 'cathedral of crap' by The Guardian owing to its implicitly stated role in the Wicklow town, the inspiration for the €139 million project comes from the Sydney Opera House. The construction has been vaunted for its smooth aesthetic design which was completed by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Droichead an Dóchais Droichead an Dóchais, Galway RIAI RIAI Meaning 'Bridge of Hope' in Irish, this new project stands beside the old Salmon Weir Bridge on the River Corrib in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. Developed by Seán Harrington Architects, the bridge serves as a thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists alike, traversing three waterways to connect the University of Galway and the city centre. Tolka Estuary Greenway, Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway, Dublin Port RIAI RIAI Conceptualised by Darmody Architecture and TTT (thirtythreetrees), this greenway sheds its former status as desolate wasteland, stretching 2.2km at Dublin Port to overlook the Dublin skyline and port. It contains a series of three distinct character spaces and celebrates Dublin Port's industrial heritage and history. Trinity Campanile Tower Trinity Campanile Tower, Trinity College RIAI RIAI Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture took on the role of refurbishing this iconic Irish landmark in Trinity College Dublin's city centre campus. The tower underwent extensive repair works after centuries of wear and tear to conserve its aesthetic. Expert craftsmen were deployed to restore the tower's most important features and to undo substandard previous works. Advertisement Two Grand Parade, Dublin Two Grand Parade, Dublin RIAI RIAI Located along the serene Grand Canal, Henry J Lyons produced this silky merge of heritage and modernity. It functions as an office space and is recognisable by its complex façade work achieved by virtue of its restoration works to the surrounding building's older structure, incorporating a reimagined entrance plaza and water feature. Leeson Park Avenue Leeson Park Avenue, Dublin RIAI RIAI A modernised extension to a Victorian house in leafy south Dublin overlooks the Royal Hospital Donnybrook. Its timber screen front covers a kitchen pitched above the level of the historic wall beneath, projecting new age design conceived by desiun architects. Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, Mayo Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, Mayo RIAI RIAI A twelve-classroom primary school project by SJK Architects is up for this year's award for its colourful splash of creativity in bringing education alive for its 330 pupils. It features a two-classroom integrated Special Education Needs unit and invites daylight and openness into its immaculate design. The Redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire Baths, Dublin The Redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire Baths RIAI RIAI This public infrastructure work by dlr architects and A2 Architects on the 400-metre stretch of south Dublin coastline produced accommodates a café, toilets and artist studios. It has introduced a new walkway between Newtownsmith's promenade and Dún Laoghaire's East Pier with new viewing points. There are also accessible ramps, seating and a sculpture of Roger Casement on a new jetty. Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Donal McCann Photography Donal McCann Photography Hall Black Douglas is behind this design for the purposes of providing an inclusive 'living room' to local people. It serves to marry Monaghan town's urban and rural landscapes into a symbol of the future by gathering a museum, library and youth hub around accessible community spaces. Demolition Take Down, Dublin Demolition Take Down RIAI RIAI Led by Islander Architects, this project in October 2023 to raise awareness of the waste levels produced by the construction industry. It calls on policy makers, councils, construction industry workers and clients to take urgent climate action. This public installation in the courtyard of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin 8 attempts to visually exhibit the sheer volume of waste created in the building process and included input from industry professionals and students of construction. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
